Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 664: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason two flights (details supplied) which both receive Government subsidy can vary so significantly in price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14916/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Services on the routes mentioned by the Deputy are provided on foot of Public Service Obligations under my Department's Essential Air Services Programme and in accordance with the relevant EU requirements. The contracts in respect of these services oblige the carriers to provide a minimum daily capacity of 60 seats each way, at least 80% of which must be made available at a fare not exceeding €75 each way.

The fares charged from time to time in respect of the remaining capacity on each flight are a matter for the commercial judgement of the carriers. Once the contractual obligations outlined above are fulfilled, I have no function in relation to fares on these services.