asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if Gael West Helicopters Limited, Castlebar, County Mayo applied for a helicopter licence; if so, if it was granted; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Helicopter Licence.
26.
Gael West Helicopters Limited applied in February and December 1977 for an authorisation to provide helicopter services. Both applications were turned down because it was considered that the current and foreseeable demand for helicopter services in Ireland can be met by the company at present authorised to provide helicopter services. As I explained in reply to a question on the subject on 19 October 1977, I am keeping the position under review in the light of developments, particularly in the off-shore drilling market, but I would be prepared to consider an application from a second helicopter operator only on the basis of a clear and identifiable need.
Did I understand the Minister to say that in November 1977 he refused the last application?
October.
Why did the Government change their policy in regard to granting a second licence? Is the Minister aware that two of his colleagues in Government gave an undertaking prior to the last General Election, after clearance with the Front Bench, that Fianna Fáil in government would grant a licence forthwith? Would the Minister indicate why they changed their minds within four months?
All these charges were made in supplementaries in relation to the previous question. I make a decision in relation to what I think is best and the decision I have made in this matter is that Irish Helicopters Limited, a subsidiary of Aer Lingus, can cope with the amount of work available at present. I repeat that I would consider an application if I were shown an identifiable need.
Does the Minister accept that the then Deputy Gallagher wrote on behalf of Deputy Barrett, who was the spokesman involved, and said he had discussed the matter with his own front bench, of which the present Minister was a member, and there was unanimous agreement that the licence would be granted? Is that a fact?
I simply repeat what I said. I am the Minister in charge and I am dealing with these matters as I believe they should be dealt with.
Does the Minister accept that this letter was written?
I do not have to accept or deny.
The Minister does not have to accept or deny it, but we all know that it was written. Does the Minister accept that there is such a thing as collective responsibility? The Government have a say in this.
I assure the Deputy that there is very much more regard for collective responsibility in the present Cabinet than there was in the last one.
This is an example of where there is none.
I am calling the next question.