Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)

Senator Mullins made a call for a debate on transport, and I wish to raise an issue regarding air transport costs. We all have family members in England, and when death or serious illness requires attention, we may have to go to England urgently for funeral arrangements or whatever. I know three families who suffered bereavements in England. One of these families is from your own county, a Chathaoirligh. The couple went to Dublin Airport to take a flight to London and were charged €500. They wanted an open ticket because if somebody dies in England, it can take a while for the body to be released. They were refused an open ticket. I will not mention the airline. On the way back two days later on the same plane, they were charged €650. It is easy for some of these airlines to give free flights. Incidentally, there were people on the same flight who paid €100.