Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I am sure the principals involved in the industry are up to the challenge, but is the Minister? I have serious doubts and the Minister is in denial about the figures. I have before me figures issued by the Irish Aviation Authority. The numbers have been and continue to reduce, and the expectation is that they will get worse this year. It is up to the Minister to ensure that access to the routes are re-established. I admit that in the second half of the year the industry was subject to the large decline. Someone should be selling Ireland and the market is contracting. By denying this, one is not dealing with the problem. The market is contracting and if we are to retain market share, it is up to the Minister to ensure that people can travel here easily if they so wish.

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