Written Answers. - National Aviation Policy.
Ivor Callely
Question:
70
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications
the national aviation policy; when this policy was reviewed and amended; his views on whether a total review and assessment of our present aviation policy is required, particularly, due to air transport market changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:
71
Mr. Gilmore
asked the
Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications
if he intends to allow Aer Lingus to operate on the Dublin-Stansted route; the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure the development of a national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.
As indicated to the House on 6 April 1993, we already have an aviation policy for Ireland. The objectives of this policy are as follows: (1) to improve competitiveness and thereby facilitate job and wealth creation in Ireland by providing a wide range of reliable and regular commercial air services for Irish tourism trade and industry, at the lowest economic cost; (2) to promote direct job and wealth creation in the Irish airline and aviation industry through opening up new markets for Irish operators, e.g. Aer Lingus, Aer Rianta, either in bilateral or multilateral negotiations; (3) to have at least one domestically based and financially viable national airline to ensure continuity of air services between Ireland and all our main export markets — in effect, this means a strong Aer Lingus, not because it is Government-owned but because it is the one Irish airline which has the critical mass, expertise and best range of products to achieve this aim; (4) to ensure, in so far as possible, an equitable distribution of airline traffic to Shannon, Cork and the regional airports to support the Government's policy of promoting balanced regional growth within Ireland; (5) to ensure that all Irish airports are cost compeititive and have infrastructure of the highest international standards to meet the needs of the international airline industry; (6) to ensure the maximum utilisation of our national airspace asset; (7) to ensure that the standards, safety and security of aviation inspire confidence in the use of Irish airspace and technical infrastructure by air carriers.
These objectives have been formulated against the background of: (1) the current market changes in the international economic regulatory environment which has become more deregulated and liberalised; (2) Ireland's peripheral geographical location within Europe; and (3) national agreements with the social partners where the emphasis has been on expanding existing air services, introducing new services and ensuring access costs are competitive in the interest of both tourism and business travellers alike.
I am satisfied that these objectives are the appropriate ones for the current and future needs of Irish aviation. All policy decisions which have been or will be taken will be fully consistent with these objectives. Both I and my predecessor have taken a number of initiatives to ensure the achievement of these objectives mainly through bilateral agreements which we have initiated with other countries. Over the past three years, 11 such agreements have been or are being negotiated not only for air services but also for the whole range of aviation activities which Ireland excels in. In addition, my Department is in contact with another eight countries about concluding similar agreements.
Since 1 January this year, all Community air carriers are entitled to fly on all international routes within the Community. The question of whether an airline wishes to exercise its right to operate on any specific route is a matter for the commercial judgment of the airline. In this regard, Aer Lingus has indicated to me that it has no plans to operate on the Dublin-Stansted route in 1993.
