Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

This downward trend is evident for periods prior to the introduction of the air travel tax. Furthermore, passenger numbers for other modes of transport have also experienced broadly similar declines. While this is not a desirable position, it is clear that the air travel tax is not the substantive cause for the decline in passenger numbers.

Ireland is not unique in applying a tax on air travel. For example, our nearest neighbour, the UK, has applied a similar tax for a number of years.

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