asked the Minister for Transport whether the Belgian authorities threatened to deny landing rights to Aer Lingus at Brussels Airport; if so, when and why; and the action he took in the matter.
11.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Brussels Air Route.
10.
asked the Minister for Transport if he has protested or will protest to the Belgian Government about the reduced frequency of direct flights on the Dublin-Brussels route as a consequence of the insistence by the Belgian Airline, Sabena, that it fly on that route; and having regard to the delays and inconvenience thereby caused to passengers who are obliged to travel via London, Amsterdam or other airports, if he will take fresh steps, if necessary in the Council of Ministers of the European Community, to have the previous frequency of direct flights restored.
(Cavan-Monaghan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
Scheduled air services between Ireland and Belgium are operated by Aer Lingus and Sabena under the provisions of the Ireland Belgium Bilateral Air Transport Agreement. Details of the level of service are normally discussed and agreed between the airlines and are submitted for Governmental approval. For summer 1981 the two airlines were unable to agree on frequencies and referred the matter to their respective authorities for resolution. Negotiations failed to produce a solution and recourse was had, as provided for in the bilateral agreement, to arbitration. The arbitrator's finding, which is binding on both authorities, was that a reduction in capacity by both airlines was required and this has resulted in the reduction in frequencies which will be in operation on services between Brussels and Dublin this winter.
I might add that, subject to some timing adjustments, services will continue to be provided each evening, excluding Saturdays, to facilitate passengers travelling to and from Brussels on EEC business.
Can the Minister tell the House what was the capacity of Sabena and Aer Lingus prior to this change?
(Cavan-Monaghan): There were 13 flights immediately prior to a change, nine operated by Aer Lingus and four by Sabena. As a result of the arbitrator's decision, the number of flights has been reduced to eight, five operated by Aer Lingus and three by Sabena.
Is the frequency of eight flights going to continue?
(Cavan-Monaghan): It will have to until it is changed either by negotiation or a change in the agreement. The Deputy will appreciate that I do not necessarily agree with that number of flights, but I am sure he also appreciates that the finding of the arbitrator is final and that there is nothing we can do about it.