Vol. 431 No. 4
5 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the measures, if any, he has taken to have Dublin CommonRated with London for the long haul markets such as Japan, South America, the west coast of America, Canada and the Far East; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Donegal South-West): The Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997 specifically mentions that the Government will seek to extend inter-airline agreements with a view to improving access between Ireland and more distant parts of the world. The Minister has recently asked his colleague, the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, Deputy Cowen, who has responsibility for access transport policy, actively to pursue this issue with relevant carriers. We already have common-rating agreements with Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
I am sure the Minister agrees that if Ireland is to be more accessible to the long haul markets from Japan, South America, the west coast of America, Canada and the Far East it is vital that Dublin is common rated with London. At present 85 per cent of our tourists come from seven overseas markets: Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the US and Australia. If we are to capitalise on the massive growth in tourism from South America, Japan and the other countries mentioned we must have common rated access. Will the Minister convey to his colleague the Minister for Tourism and Trade, the importance of this? Will he ask him to consider reaching agreements with airline carriers on a common rating for airports such as Shannon, Farranfore and Cork?
(Donegal South-West): I have no disagreement with Deputy Deenihan's viewpoint. It is essential that Dublin is common rated with London and possibly with other European cities and that agreements should be drawn up with the various airlines. I fully accept and appreciate that a common rating agreement would yield significant benefits for tourist numbers and this would help to create further much needed jobs. Our experience of a common rating agreement with Australia has been excellent. There has been an increase of 100 per cent in tourist numbers over the past three years. It is important to note also that 12 per cent of Australian visitors to Europe travel onwards to Ireland. We can look at the possibility of establishing agreements with the other countries Deputy Deenihan mentioned. The Minister with responsibility in this area is the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications and his colleague, the Minister for Tourism and Trade, has written to him requesting him to pursue this matter.
Will the Minister provide a progress report on negotiations with the international airline carriers? Will the Minister confirm that this proposal is in line with EC legislation?
(Donegal South-West): I believe this is a question for the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications and he will answer it. As we have common rating agreements with Australia, New Zealand and Japan I assume that if it were contrary to EC legislation this would have been flagged by now. Even if it were, we should pursue it vigorously. I will pursue this matter with the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications.
