Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the need from a tourism point of view of autonomous national airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31541/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Issues in relation to airports policy generally are a matter for consideration by my colleague the Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey.

In relation to aviation and tourism policy, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the report of the Tourism Policy Review Group, "New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action", which highlighted the fact that one of the principal drivers of success of Irish tourism in recent years has been the improvement in the range, quality and competitiveness of air and sea access. In particular, increased capacity in air access and lower air fares have enhanced the attractiveness of Ireland as a destination.

Competitive and convenient air access — in terms of routes, capacity, services, frequency and fares — is expected to continue to be a crucial determinant for future international demand for tourism destinations, especially in the case of an island such as Ireland. In that context, the Tourism Policy Review Group noted that the decision to establish Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports as fully independent and autonomous authorities under State ownership is intended to have the effect of introducing further competition to encourage the development of new services, particularly to the regions.