Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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680. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to encourage growth in the Irish aviation industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2587/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The over-arching goal of national aviation policy as outlined in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2011-2014 is to ensure that it supports Ireland's economic and social goals in a safe, competitive, cost-effective and sustainable manner and ensures maximum connectivity between Ireland and the rest of the world.

Within this context, one of my key priorities for 2013/14 is the development of a new civil aviation policy. I will shortly launch a six month consultation process. The intention is to publish a draft policy paper before the end of the year, with the final policy paper available in early 2014. 

Today, the aviation sector contributes €4.1 billion to our economy or 2.6% of our GDP and provides direct employment for over 20,000 people. Hence the importance of having a clear policy framework to facilitate continued growth of the sector. The policy will cover all aspects of the industry including airports, airlines, the aircraft maintenance sector, finance, leasing and regulation. 

In terms of connectivity, I will continue to act as a champion for improved air access to Ireland, be it increased capacity on existing routes or the development of new routes. Already there is significant success in this area with recent announcements by a number of airlines of additional services and routes into Ireland next summer.  This  is very welcome in the context of 'The Gathering Ireland 2013' .

Another key priority for me in the aviation sphere will be the successful restructuring of Shannon Airport and a return of passenger growth at the airport. The airport has already been established as an independent company and legislation to merge the airport with a restructured Shannon Development will be advanced in 2013. A key initiative for the future will be the development of an international aviation services centre in and around the airport building on a range of aviation-related activities already undertaken in Shannon such as aircraft maintenance and leasing. In this regard, the report of November last by the Aviation Business Development Task Force states that such an aviation centre could create up to 3,000-3,500 new jobs within five years.