Transport Tourism and Sport: Future Development of Air Transport 27th June 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options for the future development of Ireland as an international hub for air transport; the extent to which he expects the various airlines to participate in such a project with resultant economic benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.
* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 27th June, 2013.
 
 
Ref No:
31402/13 Proof: 349

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options for the future development of the airline passenger industry with particular reference to the role he sees for the major carriers in the coming three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 27th June, 2013. Ref No: 31403/13 Proof: 350

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options in regard to the future development of the air transport passenger sector with particular references to the respective roles of Aer Lingus and Ryanair and any possible merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 27th June, 2013. Ref No: 31405/13 Proof: 352

Answered by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport
Leo Varadkar

REPLY

Answered by Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport
Leo Varadkar
 
Reply
 
I propose to take questions 314, 315 and 317 together.
 
These questions relate to the future development of the aviation sector.
 
As an island, air transport connectivity is clearly of vital importance to Ireland for both economic and social reasons. There is a healthy competitive market for air services in and out of the country and we benefit from a wide range of air connections, both short and long haul. New routes are being announced on a regular basis by both Irish and international airlines. Maintaining and developing this connectivity is certainly a key objective of national aviation policy. The airports and Tourism Ireland have attractive incentive and marketing programmes available to help support new services.  
 
A public consultation is currently underway on the formulation of a comprehensive aviation policy framework.   An issues paper was published on 1 March this year inviting submissions from stakeholders and interested parties. The deadline for submissions has recently been extended to 12 July in response to a number of requests. I anticipate that all the major airlines and airports will have substantial contributions to make to the consultation process. They each have a role to play in maximising options and opportunities for the development of the aviation sector.  I look forward to receiving their submissions along with the views of all interested parties.
 
Following receipt of submissions, a draft National Aviation Policy Statement will be issued in the second half of 2013. This will provide further opportunity for stakeholder input before the adoption of the new policy document in early 2014. The new policy will outline the actions to be taken by Government to help sustain and develop the aviation sector, in order to create jobs and support business and tourism.