Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received the report he sought from the National Competitiveness Council on the implications for exporters of the decision by Aer Lingus to end most of its cargo services; the main findings of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28334/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As indicated in a previous reply, I understand that there is no immediate shortfall in air freight capacity out of Ireland. Other carriers have sufficient capacity to deal with the demand created as a result of Aer Lingus's decision. However, as the maintenance of adequate air cargo services is of considerable importance to our long-term economic development, I have requested the National Competitiveness Council to incorporate this issue into its work programme for 2005. It will identify any emerging capacity shortfalls, or other aspects with economic implications for exporters, that may required to be addressed in the future.

The decision of Aer Lingus in regard to its cargo services was a commercial and operational one. It was taken in the context of implementing its business development plan, and so was not amenable to political consideration or approval.