Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to counteract the effects of the expected demise of low cost flying as oil supplies reach their predicted peak in the next ten years. [5655/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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One of the key objectives of our aviation policy as set out in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 is to facilitate and encourage as wide a range as possible of reliable, regular and competitive commercial air services for Irish tourism, trade and industry. Our success in this regard is evident in the increased number of direct services to and from Ireland that are now available to the travelling public.

The aviation industry is a global industry that has demonstrated a capacity for innovation and an ability to respond to the significant challenges that it has faced in recent years, as was particularly evidenced in the industry's response in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. The industry has also made significant strides in improving fuel efficiency over recent years through technical innovation. I would, therefore, have a more optimistic view than the Deputy of the capacity of the industry to respond to challenges that it may face in the future.