Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 249: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on warnings from Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland that aviation restrictions, which are curbing access to Ireland from Europe and North America, are detrimental to the tourist industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5689/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

First, I assure the Deputy that there are no economic restrictions of any kind on aviation business from the EU. The aviation market in the EU is fully liberalised, and EU airlines are free to fly where they wish in the EU, subject only to the normal safety and technical requirements. Regarding transatlantic aviation, I am aware of the concerns set out in the report of the tourism policy review group to the Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism, dated 30 September 2003, regarding restrictions on aviation services between Ireland and the US.

As I have indicated in the House on a number of occasions, my officials have been engaging in exploratory discussions with U.S. officials about possible changes to transatlantic arrangements. I have ensured that the concerns of the tourism industry are taken into account in the course of these discussions.