Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

My question is coming; the Leas-Cheann Comhairle should not worry. At the conference, the cost of scanners was mentioned. Many of them must be upgraded at a cost of millions of euro. Scanners, particularly those for hand luggage, only scan luggage weighing under 10 kg. Therefore, the logistics of trying to enforce the proposed system are not feasible.

I have a serious question on the issue of having passengers stand on airplanes. There was an application in this regard from a Chinese airline called Spring Airlines, which I understand is very serious about the proposal. This is a security matter. The airline proposes to have passengers stand while wearing seat belts and to cut down on food and water. It will be like getting on and off a bus.

Deputy Broughan referred to the travel tax. Ireland is the only country in Europe imposing such a tax to yield revenue to make up for bad governance.

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