asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if, in view of the weakening of the US dollar, he will ask airlines operating between this country and the United States reduce their fares accordingly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Fares.
8.
The initiative for air fares proposals on any particular route is, in the first instance, a matter for the commercial judgment of the airline concerned. In so far as North Atlantic air fares for the 1988 tourism season are concerned, my Department received yesterday, on 14 December, proposals from Aer Lingus in that regard. None of the other airlines operating between the US and Ireland has yet filed their 1988 fares. I am very conscious of the need to ensure that air fares from the US are competitive and are sufficiently attractive to ensure that the number of tourists visiting Ireland each year continues to increase. It is by reference to these two issues in particular, that I will be examining the Aer Lingus proposals and those of the other carriers.
Will the Minister tell us what are the proposals from Aer Lingus for 1988? Will their proposals show a significant reduction in fares on the North Atlantic route?
I will take an opportunity to tell the Deputy that in the House, but I cannot do it now.
Such a reduction might have emanated from the swipe that the Taoiseach took at the air fares on the North Atlantic route some weeks ago at a dinner for the Confederation of Tourist Industries, where he made the point that the drop in the value of the dollar should be reflected in reduced air fares on the North Atlantic routes. Seeing that the dollar has dropped by at least 20 per cent in value in recent months, we should have a corresponding reduction in air fares.
It is an important point. It is a fluid situation as the dollar has been weakening almost every day for quite some time. This is a question we will have to address very seriously during the coming year.
When can we expect to have the 1988 fares structure?
Very early in January I should think. As far as Aer Lingus are concerned we already have the filing but we have no filing from others.