Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Transport in view of the recent volcanic ash crisis, which resulted in airports closing down across Europe and the knock-on financial implications for airlines, and in further view of the importance of air travel to Ireland as an island nation, his plans to develop a long-term strategic vision for aviation in Ireland, with particular reference to the difficulties faced by airports such as Shannon Airport; if he will put a team in place to draw up this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16842/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The recent closure of most of European airspace arising from the volcanic ash cloud was unprecedented. The event has had a severe impact on passengers, airlines, airports and on the European economy more generally. EU Transport Ministers held a meeting by video/audio conference on Monday 19th April to discuss the airspace closure. Discussions that day focussed on safety and airspace management issues in order to achieve a progressive and co-ordinated reopening of European airspace. The measures agreed were put into effect on Tuesday 20th April allowing for a phased resumption of services across Europe.

Any actions taken to deal with the impact of the crisis must be taken on a pan-European level. To this end, the Spanish Presidency has scheduled an extraordinary meeting of Transport Ministers for 4th May to discuss areas for actions resulting from the crisis. Among the issues that will be examined are the current European regulatory framework, the economic impact of the crisis and response to it, the application of air passenger rights and future crisis management.