Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 8

Written Answers. - Inter Airline Agreements.

Michael Noonan

Question:

31 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the number, and names of international airline companies which have been approached by his Department with a view to establishing common rating with other destinations, between our major airports including Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock and Kerry County Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. McCreevy)

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.

While access transport is, of course, the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, I have arranged that the Tourism Council consider the subject of access specifically in one of the Sub-Committees it has recently established. The Access Sub-Committee, as it is called, includes a representative from Aer Lingus and will be examining the question of common rating in detail. The Sub-Committee expects to be in a position to report in the matter in the near future.

I should add that the interline agreements which can provide for commorated fares are primarily a matter for negotiation between airlines themselves. So far, my Department has not approached any airlines in this regard and is unlikely to do so until the tourism councils deliberations have been completed.