asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his Department have any plans to develop Irish airports as freight distribution centres as part of a network of door-to-door air freight services to and from continental Europe.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Freight Services.
8.
The Government are acutely aware of the strategic importance for the Irish economy of fast reliable and competitive freight links with continental Europe. The cost disadvantages for the national economy and Irish industry of Ireland's peripheral location are set to become even more acute with the completion of the Internal Market in 1992. The Government regard this as a major priority area requiring attention in the context of 1992.
The Government are at present engaged in the preparation of a regional development plan for Ireland for the period 1989-1993 which will be implemented in conjunction with EC Structural Funds. The main thrust of the proposals and measures which will be brought forward in the transport sector will be aimed at relieving and eliminating the disadvantages of Ireland's peripherality vis-à-vis our EC partners. These plans will include measures designed to improve international freight services both by air and sea.
Awareness is not sufficient. I should like to ask the Minister of State what positive action the Government are taking to counter the disadvantages to Ireland of being on the periphery of Europe. Will the Minister of State accept that every Irish exporter is at a distinct disadvantage at present and that that will be exacerbated with the completion of the Channel Tunnel in 1993? Will the Minister give a firm promise that positive action will be taken?
I can assure the Deputy that positive action has been taken in discussions at European level between my colleague and other Transport Ministers of the EC.
Will the Minister of State indicate if his Department are attempting to attract companies from North and South America to use Ireland as a jumpoff point for Europe bearing in mind the over-crowding at European airports?
While I have every desire to impart the information available to me I am not in a position to answer that question. I suggest that the Deputy table a question about that matter. I am not aware of the occurrences the Deputy has referred to.
GPA have set up a company.
Will the Minister of State accept that Ireland occupies a strategic position vis-à-vis our EC partners and that Ireland would be an attractive centre for companies from North and South America anxious to trade with the EC? The Minister of State should make every effort to develop Ireland as a centre for such companies.
We are having an element of repetition.
I cannot disagree with the Deputy's comments.