Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine his views on whether an aviation policy for Ireland must encourage attracting a range of airlines rather than continued dependence on one or two providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22055/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's aviation strategy is to promote the development of as wide a range as possible of competitive international air services to and from Ireland to underpin our economic growth and competitiveness. We need to have regular, safe, cost-effective and competitive air services linking the country to key business and tourism markets around the world. To this end, within the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported market liberalisation measures, which have served as the platform for the rapid expansion of aviation generally. We have also promoted liberalisation on a wider basis most recently in pressing for the conclusion of the EU-US Open Skies agreement and in concluding a more liberal agreement on a bilateral basis with Canada.

I should add that our approach to the encouragement of air services is complemented by our policy on the development of airport infrastructure within the country. The main objective is to ensure that the three State Airports have sufficient capacity to respond to the growth opportunities of a competitive airline sector and to provide vital international access. In addition the six regional airports have a key role to play in promoting regional development.