Vol. 264 No. 1
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of the loss of £3 million in the financial returns of Aer Lingus, alterations in landing charges or other financial aid will be forthcoming; and whether any consultation with the company on its financial situation is under consideration.
39.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of the present serious financial position of Aer Lingus, he will take steps to have airport charges to Aer Lingus reduced; and if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to assist Aer Lingus.
40.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to a statement by the Aer Lingus chief executive that substantial loss of jobs is a probability if the present high rate of inflation continues; and the steps his Department are taking to ensure that there will be no large-scale redundancies in Aer Lingus.
41.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement on the £3 million loss by Aer Lingus this year and the reason, apart from the troubles in Northern Ireland, for this loss.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 to 41, inclusive, together.
As indicated in my reply to a question by Deputy O'Donnell on 26th October, 1972, the air companies have informed me that their operations are suffering severely mainly because of the drop in tourist traffic, which is a direct result of the Northern Ireland situation, together with the inadequate fare level on the North Atlantic and the high rate of inflation of costs. I am in constant touch with the air companies on all aspects of Government policy and inter-Governmental arrangements which affect their financial position. In particular I am having the question of relief in respect of landing fees for domestic flights and war risk insurance premiums examined. I am assured by the air companies that there is at present no question of large scale redundancies.
Has the Minister any figure for redundancies?
No.
