Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2014
737. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if concerns have been raised with him in relation to section 3.1 of the draft national policy for aviation here and this sections possible impact on Irish airlines and their profitability; his Department's response to these concerns; when the policy will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30981/14]
View answer739. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his response to concerns expressed by those in the Irish airline industry regarding the proposal in the draft national policy for aviation which would permit non-EU-USA airlines pick up passengers in competition with EU airlines. [30996/14]
View answer789. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the draft national policy for aviation in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31394/14]
View answer791. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views that section 3 - Air Services and Connectivity - and section 3.1 - Market Access Rights - of the national policy for aviation in Ireland which is currently in draft form has the potential, if adopted, to put Irish registered airlines at a distinct competitive disadvantage when opened up to direct competition with airlines registered outside of the EU and US; if he will consider the potential implications for the terms and employment conditions of Irish aviation sector workers, if the policy as currently presented were to be adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31422/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 737, 739, 789 and 791 together.
I have received a number of submissions/comments concerning the proposals set out in Section 3.1 of the draft National Aviation Policy for Ireland which was published on 21 May 2014. The draft National Aviation Policy was developed following a public consultation process in 2013. The consultation process covered all elements of aviation policy and the draft National Aviation Policy takes account of the submissions received. On the issue of fifth freedom traffic rights for airlines, the majority of submissions received favoured the adoption of a fully liberalised approach.
The policy proposal in Section 3.1 is that a liberal approach should be taken by my Department to any requests from non EU and non US airlines to serve routes to/from Ireland where there is a clear benefit for Ireland and the travelling public.
I have invited submissions on the draft National Aviation policy published on 21 May. Airlines and any other interested parties have an opportunity through the consultation process to express their views on this proposal and all other proposals in the draft before the closing date for submissions on 31 July.
