Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

There was much debate on Second Stage about the importance of this Bill in terms of what it might do for airlines with regard to ensuring continued development of low-cost carriers and also, perhaps, a change of emphasis away from forcing down airport and other related charges.

Senator Paddy Burke referred to countries which might remain outside the convention. Will such a situation provide a safe haven for airlines which are less than scrupulous and seek to defy the courts, the provisions of the Bill or its protocols? Will they be allowed to fly into any or one particular destination which is not a signatory to the convention? Will it effectively limit the extent to which the convention will work? If one jurisdiction does not sign up, will it act as a safe haven for unscrupulous operators?