asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport his policy in regard to the European Commission's proposals on air transport for the forthcoming meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Written Answers. - European Commission's Air Transport Proposals.
15.
At the forthcoming meeting in December of the EC Council of Transport Ministers I will fully support the adoption of the EC Air Transport Package finalised by the council last June but not adopted because of a problem which arose in relation to Gibraltar.
The EC package is important for Ireland, in that it will enable us to redress some of the economic and social disadvantages which derive from our peripheral location within the Community. An expansion of Ireland's air services, which the package will allow, is vital for trade and tourism development, as well as providing significant commercial opportunities for Irish air carriers.