Vol. 496 No. 6
142 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to a recent newspaper statement that Kerry County Airport may be obliged to close if duty free is abolished; if her attention has further been drawn to the serious concern of airport staff and the tourist industry in Kerry; the proposals, if any, she has to ensure the airport's viability in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23791/98]
I can assure the Deputy that the Government share her concern regarding the implications of the proposed abolition of duty free facilities for Irish airports, including Kerry Airport. I would draw her attention to replies I gave in the House to other questions on this matter on 10 November last.
The Deputy can be assured that I, and the Government generally, will continue to press the EU Council for reconsideration of the proposed abolition.
The Deputy will be aware that the programme for Government contains a commitment to be supportive of regional airports and that the Government is providing substantial marketing assistance to these airports to assist them in marketing and promotion.
