asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if it is intended to hold consultation with civil aviation authorities with a view to reducing air fares.
234.
Written Answers. - Air Fares.
233.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if it is intended to hold consultations with other EEC transport Ministers with a view to the co-ordinating of the position on the international airline cartel.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
Consultations concerning matters of mutual concern to civil aviation authorities take place on a regular basis at different levels and through a number of international bodies. I am not aware, however, of any plans for consultations on the particular lines suggested by the Deputy.
As regards air fares, it is part of the function of the International Air Transport Association to provide a forum for negotiation of fares by airlines. The fares proposals emanating from these negotiations are then submitted for consideration by Governments and for approval or disapproval. I am satisfied that the range of fares currently available represents a fair balance between the various factors involved—the importance of providing a safe, efficient and regular service to the travelling public, the value of incentive fares in the promotion of increased travel and tourism and the need for airlines to earn sufficient revenue to meet all their operating costs and to make provision for expansion and development.