Mary Henry (Independent)

I welcome the Bill. It is good to see such an emphasis being put on tourism. In view of international competition, tourism must be promoted and it essential that the country be shown in a positive light. However, a recent innovation, one to which I strongly object, shows us in a very bad light. Aer Rianta has introduced a refundable one euro charge for baggage trolleys at Dublin Airport. I was at the airport yesterday morning with American visitors who only had dollars. I had no euro either because I was returning from abroad. Prior to the introduction of the charge it was difficult to get a trolley but now there is no problem because nobody has euro to use them. By the time tourists have changed currency they would have secured their baggage and left the airport.

While Aer Rianta is not the responsibility of the Minister, it should be reprimanded for this development. It is the most unwelcome way to bring anyone into the country. There is a conflict in the Government about how near we are to Boston or Berlin. While similar charges apply in American airports, I am not aware of their application in any other European airport. They should be stopped immediately. It is outrageous that older tourists especially may be left to drag their baggage to taxis.