Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has met with representatives of the travel and tourism industry in view of the further recent job losses in the industry and the plummeting volumes of passengers in the aviation sector; his plans for transport facilities for visitors to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45881/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I have not recently met with or been directly briefed by representatives of the travel and tourism industry. However, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism brings any necessary matters to my attention so I am fully aware of the negative impact that the current difficult economic situation is having on the aviation sector and am closely monitoring developments.

My Department is liaising with the Department of Arts Sport & Tourism in the context of implementing a recommendation concerning enhanced air access contained in the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group, which was published recently by my colleague Martin Cullen T.D. Minister for Arts Sport and Tourism.

Last year, I asked the Commission for Aviation Regulation to review the regulatory framework for licensing and bonding the travel trade. I fully support certain recommendations made in their report, which will reduce the administrative burden on the sector.

While the wider air transport industry is currently faced with significant challenges arising from the global economic downturn, the Government will continue to support the development of an innovation-friendly, pro-competition regulatory framework for aviation.

The continued roll-out of DAA's investment programme and introduction of US preclearance facilities will greatly enhance the experience of customers using Irish airports and will provide airlines with opportunities to develop and grow new services.

The Government, through its residual role as a minority shareholder in Aer Lingus, will continue to support strong competition between airlines.

The development and growth in Ireland's air transport links played a significant part in our economic success since the mid-1990s. Investment, connectivity and competition between airlines serving the Irish market will help to ensure that air transport plays an even greater role in our economic recovery.