Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I congratulate Deputy Michael Kitt on being appointed Leas-Cheann Comhairle today. I wish him the best of luck in the role and I am sure he will be very fair like the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Barrett.

Direct, convenient and competitive international access by air and by sea is vital for the development of tourism to Ireland, an island destination. It is in that context that the agreed programme for Government undertook to abolish the €3 air travel tax subject to a deal being agreed with carriers to reopen closed routes and bring more tourists into Ireland.

Clearly the air travel tax is among the factors which can potentially affect the competitiveness and viability of air routes to and from Ireland. However, the Government must take a balanced approach to its overall response within the wider context of fiscal sustainability and economic renewal. This is why, if the airlines do not commit unequivocally to increase the numbers of tourists visiting Ireland in return, and hence overall Exchequer receipts, there will be no reduction in the tax.

With specific regard to discussions with the airlines, my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, is currently consulting officials of my Department and his own regarding the approach to be taken in such discussions. The Deputy will be aware that the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, will shortly assume formal responsibility for tourism and sport matters, following the relevant transfer of functions.

More generally, working to restore and enhance international access is a key priority for tourism development in 2011. Tourism Ireland is engaging actively in co-operative marketing campaigns with air and sea carriers to stimulate demand for travel to Ireland from key source markets and to demonstrate ease of access. This year, Tourism Ireland has increased the level of resources available for co-operative marketing with air and sea carriers in major markets — including Ryanair and Aer Lingus — and for case-making with airports and relevant authorities for the restoration of lost air access or the introduction of new routes. Furthermore, I am advised that where it believes an opportunity exists in a market, Tourism Ireland is happy to commit co-operative marketing funds in advance to help secure a new, or reinstated, service.

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