I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 to 282, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the market for air services in the Community was fully liberalised in 1992. All European carriers, whether publicly owned or privately owned are free to compete on an equal basis within the European market.
The opening up of the market has completely transformed air travel in Europe and has brought enormous benefits to the European economy and particularly to the Irish economy. As we are an island nation, we are particularly reliant on air services for the maintenance and creation of business and tourism links with Europe and the rest of the world. To that end, within the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported market liberalisation measures and has also sought to influence the wider international framework for aviation to ensure that it continues to promote competition and innovation in the market-place.
The benefits of liberalisation are clear to see both in the context of the European market and the EU-US market which was liberalised more recently. The number of routes available into and out of Ireland to both European and US destinations has increased dramatically and fares have fallen significantly in the period since the market was opened up. Details of the destinations served from each of the main airports in the State, both State and regional airports, can generally be found on the airports websites.