Vol. 427 No. 8
198 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if any discussions have recently taken place with international airlines regarding flights in and out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has had discussions with a number of Irish companies which have applied to be authorised to operate air services to/from Ireland. The applications from these companies are being processed by my Department.
My Department has also been contacted by a number of foreign airlines about operating new air services to/from Ireland. Those foreign airlines which are EC carriers have the necessary authority to operate to/from Ireland under EC rules. The requests by non-EC airlines are being considered in the context of the relevant bilateral air transport agreement with the country in which these carriers are licensed.
