Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 6

Written Answers. - Direct Flights.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

257 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has to sanction direct flights from Coventry to Connaught Regional Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1722/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

I have no statutory function in relation to the Deputy's question.

The position is that since the establishment of the single market on 1 January 1993, all member state airlines are free to operate on any international route within the European economic area, without Government control, provided slots are available at airports. The question of whether any airline wishes to exercise such rights is, however, entirely a matter for the airline to decide on the basis of its own commercial judgment.