Vol. 408 No. 1
162 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will outline the submissions he has received, if any, in favour of fly Dublin direct for transatlantic flights; his views on whether consideration should now be given to such submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have received a number of submissions favouring a change in current Government policy on the Shannon stop from Deputies and other public representatives, local authorities, commercial associations and organisations representing business interests in Dublin and elsewhere in the country and also from private individuals. The main thrust of these submissions is that a change in current Government policy to allow transatlantic flights direct into Dublin would lead to a significant increase in tourist traffic from North America into Ireland. I should also mention that I have received a large number of submissions in support of the status quo.
I have given my views on the Shannon stop policy on a number of occasions recently and I would refer the Deputy to my composite reply to Questions Nos. 17, 20 and 22 of 13 February 1991; Columns 86 to 94 of the Official Report refer. The position remains that there is no change in Government policy in relation to the mandatory stop at Shannon.
I should mention, however, that I have given commitments to the Fly Dublin Direct Committee and to the Shannon Status Committee that in the event of concrete proposals being made to me by any US airline for significant new or expanded services to Ireland which would require a change in existing policy, I will discuss these proposals with them before any decision is taken in the matter. No such proposals have been received by me to date.
