Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank members for their questions. Deputy Dooley asked about our plans to make the most of our agreement with Canada. This was also referred to by Deputy Ellis. This is a good example of the importance of finding common ground between the transport and tourism parts of my Department. One of the most important insights I have had from my role pertains to the fundamental importance of aviation policy to tourism, not to mention the broader area of foreign direct investment and our ability to develop as a trading country. Tourism Ireland has prepared a marketing plan specifically for Canada, which I launched just before Christmas. Its marketing plans and funds are aimed specifically at what it wants to achieve from the Canadian market. Our tourist figures from the Canadian market are doing well but we believe they can do even better in future. The fact that we have seen an increase in the number of visitors from Canada shows how the two can come together. With the passage of this agreement through the Dáil, I hope it will provide a foundation on which access can be improved in the future.

In regard to the point raised by Deputy Ellis on the audit of other countries and the role we might play when the European Union seeks to open negotiations, the decision on the parties with which to enter discussions is primarily led by the European Commission. It is currently involved in discussions with Australia and Brazil in regard to the further agreements that might be reached. The people who are best aware of the possible opportunities in this regard are those who run our airports. I refer members to the work done by the airports to develop access to other destinations, and the successes and setbacks they have encountered. My Department supports the airports in that work, and the Irish Aviation Authority is also aware of it. In terms of making the most of our access to new routes, that can be achieved by co-operation between our airports, my Department and Tourism Ireland. I have been impressed by the extent of co-operation to date. The work that has been done in Canada is a clear example of such co-operation.

Deputy O'Donovan raised the issue of slots at Shannon Airport. Last night I responded to a Topical Issue matter tabled by Deputy Dooley and others on the issue. I am limited in what I can say at present because the Irish Takeover Panel has deemed this to be a takeover period. As a representative of a shareholder in the Aer Lingus company, I am limited in what I can say for fear of being seen to be playing a role in influencing the share price. As I pointed out in the Dáil last night, the kinds of issues raised in previous takeover bids for Aer Lingus included connectivity, competition, bases and brand development, as well as the value of shares in the company. It is fair to assume these criteria would be uppermost for the Government in its evaluation of what may happen in the future. At this point in time, however, a formal takeover bid has not been received by the board of Aer Lingus.

Deputy McCarthy asked about the development of Cork Airport. I assume he is referring to recent changes in the passenger figures in and out of the airport. The body with direct operational responsibility for Cork Airport is the DAA and it has been engaging directly with the airport to support its business. I expect the DAA to develop plans to respond to the issues arising, and I would be happy to reply in more detail to any questions the Deputy might care to raise in the Dáil.