Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Common Rating Arrangements.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

69 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress made to date in common rating Irish Airports with Heathrow and other main European Airports for long haul air traffic from countries such as Japan, Argentina and Canada. [674/94]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. McCreevy)

As the Deputy is aware I announced a number of new common-rating arrangements in July this year.

For Australia and New Zealand via London a limited common-rating arrangement has existed since 1988. This has now been consolidated into arrangements with all major carriers to Europe from Australia and New Zealand and will operate not only via London but also via Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. The arrangements cover all fares and will now include, in most cases, Cork and Shannon as well as Dublin.

An arrangement has been made with Emirates Airline to common-rate Dublin with London from the Gulf.

For Bangkok and Singapore an arrangement has also been made with Qantas to common-rate Dublin with London from Bangkok and Singapore through selected agents who will target high-potential markets.

Negotiations are also in progress in relation to Hong-Kong and South Africa to establish similar common-rating arrangements.

I have allocated a sum of up to £600,000 to assist Bord Fáilte and Aer Lingus in the marketing of these new arrangements through TV, Radio and Tour Operator promotions. Aer Lingus are also making a financial contribution to this programme through discountedpro-rata fares.

No plans are in place yet to common-rate Canada or Argentina. However, like Australia and New Zealand, common-rating with Japan has existed for some time.