Vol. 512 No. 3
55 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will ensure that there is no increase in charges to carriers until the new aviation regulator has studied and determined the appropriate level of increase rather than have the withdrawal of discount rebates on 1 January 2000 and a subsequent review in view of the transition of the regulatory role from her Department to the new regulator on 1 January 2000. [25940/99]
In June of this year, I indicated that a range of discounts which Aer Rianta had intended would cease on 30 June 1999 should continue in operation until 31 December 1999 but not after that date. I took that decision notwithstanding the fact that the European Commission had indicated that any extension of the discounts beyond 30 June 1999 would most likely lead to an assessment on the basis that they constitute State aid. My officials and the Commission are still in contact on this matter.
As I indicated in my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 46 and 48 on 3 November 1999, I believe that the next regulatory decision in relation to any revised charges regime should be taken by the independent regulator for Irish airports when established, rather than by me. Work on drafting the legislation to give statutory effect to the new regulator is under way and it would be my intention to establish the new regulatory regime as early as possible next year.
