Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

At home, strong disposable incomes and consumer confidence led some people to take several air trips per year. It should come as no surprise, however, that in view of uncertainties in the economy generally, consumers have shown some reluctance to take or plan trips abroad. An air trip abroad generally involves expenditure of several hundred euro. To solely blame the introduction of a modest air travel tax of €10, or €2, for the reduction in passenger numbers is stretching credibility.

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