Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is an important issue and one of substantial concern for the people of the Aran Islands, as the Minister of State is aware. Clearly any decision to diminish the funding available for this service would be damaging. The failure to sustain this service at its current levels would be threatening to the future of the island. If the service is stopped it will put significant pressure on business, employment and tourism. The air service provides 40 jobs to a rural economy without many job opportunities. If these jobs were to go, people would leave the islands because they could not provide for their families.

The 40,000 tourists or thereabouts who travel with Aer Arann also provide money to the local economy, thus providing more jobs. The air service also provides essential services such as those offered by An Post and Bank of Ireland. Local companies use the air service as well. Any diminution would have an effect on the availability of health and education services and could increase isolation and put many people into difficult circumstances. The Minister of State will appreciate that it is difficult for the elderly or infirm to travel by sea when the weather is poor.

What dealings has the Minister of State undertaken with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard? Has he met the Minister recently and, if so, what was the outcome? Will the Minister of State confirm that there will continue to be an Aer Arann service?

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