Air Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (1216)

John Deasy

Question:

1216. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the submission the Government will be making to the European Commission review of state aid rules on the public financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines prior to the adoption of revised guidelines in early 2014. [35503/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The European Commission is inviting comments on its review of EU state aid rules on the public financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines. It has indicated that the market environment of the aviation industry has changed considerably during the last ten years and the Commission proposal takes account of this evolution and provides guidance on how member states can support airports and airlines in line with EU state aid rules.  In the light of submissions received, the Commission will adopt revised guidelines in the beginning of 2014.

My Department is currently studying the draft guidelines and their likely implications for Ireland.  It is intended that a submission will be made by the deadline of 25 September 2013.