Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will convey the Deputy's suggestions to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. He primarily deals with aviation issues. I will ask him to follow up.

We always have to bear in mind that our airlines are key partners when we talk about the tourism industry. As an island that attracts approximately 11 million people every year, those coming from overseas have to come either by ferry or by air. A well-functioning aviation sector is really important. It is important that we strike a balance in terms of making this country an attractive place to locate routes. We know that an important part of our success in recent years has been the increase in routes that we have had and the frequency of flights in and out of the island of Ireland. It will take a long time to recover.

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