Vol. 266 No. 1
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that many travel agencies have taken bookings under the new charter concept based on advance bookings, that is, the ABC charter concept for transatlantic flights; and if he will indicate as a matter of urgency if the Government are prepared to authorise these low-cost flights.
43.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the position of people who have booked and paid deposits on certain charter flights to New York for which his sanction has not yet been given.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question by him on 17th May in which I explained that the question of the introduction of the new advance booking charter concept was under consideration in conjunction with other matters affecting the operation of charters and scheduled services and that if it should be decided to introduce the new charters, conditions governing their operation would be published.
I am aware that a number of travel agents have been advertising ABC charters in anticipation of Government approval. I am also aware that a number of these flights are planned to take place in the coming week and I am conscious of the need for early clarification of the position. I am at present awaiting the final outcome of consultations which are now in progress with the US authorities about the settlement of arrangements under which advance charters would operate between Ireland and the US and I will convey a decision to the carriers concerned at the earliest possible moment.
This is most unsatisfactory. The Minister said he is aware that within the next week people will undertake these flights. They have expended their money. The Minister is not giving approval or disapproval to this charter flight scheme. Surely he can give a decision now. What is the delay?
I said that consultations are now in progress with the US authorities about the settlement of arrangements under which——
The Minister——
The Deputy should let me finish if he wants the information. There are two parties involved, the Irish Government and the US authorities. At the moment they are in consultation.
How long will these consultations last? Until somebody is sent back, or until somebody loses his money and finds himself stranded in the US?
Going out is the trouble, not coming back.
