Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I am not convinced that the new tax would have a dramatic effect on passenger levels and the suggestion by some that the tax would see fares double for prospective passengers does not present the full picture. In any event, for visitors to Ireland the price of travelling to and from Ireland is only one of the costs they will consider before choosing their holiday destination. General price levels and the availability of reasonably priced quality accommodation will be just as important. I see no competitive displacement. No one who would otherwise use the airports at Cork or Shannon will go to Dublin to save €8. That argument does not stand up.

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