Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his appointment today and wish him well in the role. I also congratulate the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, on his appointment and wish him well in his role. I know from his background that he is very well qualified for it and I have no doubt he will bring that experience to bear in his Department in this period of Government.

The programme for Government commits to reducing the airport tax only in circumstances where the airlines agree to bring in new routes and enhance the number of tourists to the country. I welcome the fact that the Minister will hold them to that. Has he had contact with Ryanair on the matter of the €2 hike in taxes it imposed yesterday, which runs contrary to the argument it put forward in advance of the last budget seeking to reduce the airport tax in place? There is not much point in it being reduced if Ryanair will simply use it as an opportunity to proceed to introduce its own charges on fares. Airlines such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus are key to bringing people into the country. If they invest in putting on routes, it gives people an opportunity to visit this country. They can play a critical role in the development of tourism over the next while. It is critical that the Government holds them to account in ensuring that they do that in return for any reduction in the tax.

Has the Minister met representatives of Aer Lingus and Ryanair on this matter? Has he spoken to representatives of Ryanair to inform them of his displeasure and the view of Members of this House that their action is simply not tolerable and that it would have repercussions in terms of future policy?

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