Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister aware the Belgian, Dutch, Greek and Spanish Governments all have removed such taxes in an effort to try to stimulate their respective tourism sectors? Furthermore, is he aware that many Irish airlines are moving their aircraft out of Ireland to other destinations to achieve cheaper onward movement? As the Minister is aware, even Aer Lingus is doing this and effectively is offshoring its aircraft. Does it not constitute a serious development for a country that seeks to make its living from tourism to find its own aircraft being offshored to avail of better conditions in other markets? Surely this matter deserves some attention from the Government.

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