Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Legislation is currently before the Seanad for Committee Stage. I would point out that all sectors of the economy have had to make a contribution to assist those most in need in terms of funding in order to maintain public services. The Minister for Finance, being as fair as possible, looked at the areas for additional tax revenues in the context of the fiscal challenges the country faces. Consequently, a €10 tax, €2 for destinations within 300 km of Dublin, was deemed reasonable. It is worth noting that fuel used by airlines is completely exempt from tax. Therefore, the sector already has considerable preferential treatment.

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