Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.

I also refer the Deputy to my response to Priority Question No.1. The market for air services in the European Union is fully liberalised so it is a matter for the airlines themselves to decide what routes they will serve based on their own commercial judgments. As detailed in my response to the priority question, the Government is encouraging the airlines to deliver more tourists to Ireland and the quid pro quo for this will be the suspension of the travel tax if the airlines demonstrate a willingness to respond positively to this initiative. Those discussions are continuing.

Restoring and enhancing 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 as well as working with Dublin Airport Authority and other airports to stimulate demand for travel to the island of Ireland from key source markets. This year, Tourism Ireland has increased the level of resources available for co-operative marketing and for case-making with airports and relevant authorities for the restoration of lost air access or the introduction of new routes.

The announcement that the air travel tax will be suspended, subject to an agreement being reached with the airlines to bring in additional passenger numbers, has been welcomed by the tourism state agencies and the tourism industry. Until agreement has been reached with the airlines, however, it is not possible to calculate the return in tourism or spending by visitors to Ireland.

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