Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Lenihan, to the House and wish him well. I also extend my best wishes in his new portfolio to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue. It is not an easy area of responsibility at the moment because the tourism industry is under such pressure.

I agree with Senator Leyden that the price war between Aer Lingus and Ryanair has resulted in cheaper fares for travellers. I acknowledge Senator Daly's point that, in the long term, that may not be for the best as one may price the other out of business. For now the price war is good for both airlines as it increases demand and competitiveness and attracts more people to travel both to and from here. I concur with Senator Leyden that Ryanair did great service to the country because were it not for it the vast majority of people would not be able to leave these shores. Fifteen years ago it cost £420 to travel from Dublin to London. This was one of the busiest routes in Europe in spite of the cost. The advent of Ryanair forced Aer Lingus to bring down the cost of tickets.