Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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204. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options for the future development of air passenger transport in this country having particular regard to the existence of both Ryanair and Aer Lingus; the possibility of expanding the potential of a national air transport hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37373/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects Aer Lingus and Ryanair to work alongside each other in the provision of air transport throughout Europe and across the Atlantic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37374/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.  

The draft National Aviation Policy was published in May 2014 following an extensive public consultation process in 2013. The consultation process covered all elements of aviation policy and the draft policy takes account of the submissions received in the first public consultation process.

The draft National Aviation Policy outlines the actions that it is proposed will be pursued to support the growth and continued development of the whole aviation sector. In relation to air services and connectivity the draft National Aviation Policy proposes that Ireland will continue to pursue a policy based on competition between at least two airlines with significant home bases in the Irish market as the best means of ensuring a competitive aviation sector and the widest possible range of services to and from Ireland.  In relation to the potential for a national air transport hub the draft policy proposes that Dublin airport will be promoted as a secondary hub airport and that the roles of Shannon and Cork airports as key tourism and business gateways for their regions will be supported.

Submissions in response to the draft policy were invited up to the end of July. More than 70 have been received and these will be fully considered in finalising the National Aviation Policy.  It is my intention that the Policy will be finalised and adopted before the end of the year.