asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will indicate the reasons for the cancellation by Trans International Airlines of a charter flight into Shannon on behalf of a Massachusetts athletic club for which permission was given by his Department last September; and whether Aer Lingus were in any way responsible for the circumstances which led to the cancellation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charter Flight Cancellation.
11.
Mr. O'Donnell
I was informed by the airline in question that the flight was cancelled because it was found impossible to fill the aircraft. This was due, the airline claimed, to derogatory remarks made about the flight on a radio programme. I am assured by Aer Lingus that they were not responsible for any such remarks that may have been broadcast.
Mr. O'Donnell
In view of the wide publicity that was given to this alleged radio programme and in view of the fact that the allegations in the papers have not as yet been refuted, could the Minister offer any explanation as to how this extraordinary situation took place, that a speaker on the radio programme advised people not to travel by TIA but to travel by Aer Lingus? It did I understand in fact happen. What I am concerned about is the circumstances which brought this extraordinary situation about. Did the Minister inquire into this when he was in New York?
I did and Irish Airlines have of course refuted any association with the programme in question. It is entirely an internal matter between a sponsored radio programme and the private airline in the USA. It has got nothing to do with Irish International Airlines at all.
Mr. O'Donnell
This is most serious as the Minister will appreciate. Could the Minister say whether there have been any adverse repercussions for the Irish Airlines as a result of this?
Not really. What I have said is generally recognised.
Mr. O'Donnell
Have any steps been taken to correct any——
Yes. They have, of course.