asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the EEC common transport policy has yet been widened to embrace air and sea transport; and, if not, whether this is likely to happen in the future; and what the implications would be for this country's national airline and shipping companies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Transport Policy.
43.
The provisions of the Rome Treaty relating to transport apply specifically to transport by road, rail and inland waterway. The EEC Council is empowered by the treaty to extend these provisions to sea and air transport. This power has not yet been exercised, however, and no regulations affecting sea or air transport have yet been made by the EEC.
The accession of Ireland and the other applicant countries may lead to the formulation of proposals in regard to sea and air transport. We will, of course, have full rights of participation in the working out of any proposals in this area.
It is not possible to make in advance any detailed assessment of the implications for Irish national shipping companies and airlines.