Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, to discuss the €10 air travel tax. This tax is depressing our tourism and aviation industries, especially at Shannon Airport, where we are set to lose several European and UK routes. The economy of the mid-west is very dependent on the tourism industry. Unemployment in County Clare is on the rise again and this tax is affecting our competitiveness. I want the Minister for Finance to clarify immediately if he will abolish this tax as it is an unfair tax in an island nation, is destroying the aviation sector and is wiping out the region. The Minister must take action now and acknowledge the mistake he made in introducing the air travel tax.

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