Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 3

Written Answers. - Airport Charges.

Ivan Yates

Question:

32 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she intends to invoke her powers under section 10 of the Aviation Regulation Act, 2001 regarding the issue of airport charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24052/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have already exercised my power under section 10 of the Aviation Regulation Act, 2001 to issue general policy directions to the aviation regulator. I did so on 16 August 2001, prior to the issue by the regulator of his final determination of the maximum level of airport charges at the three State airports.

In my direction to the regulator, I made him aware of the purpose and intent of Government regional development policy. In that context, I referred particularly to the objectives of the national development plan and the national spatial strategy and I directed that the regulator make every reasonable effort to ensure that his final determination would reflect the important emphasis that the Government places on balanced regional development.

As the Deputy will be aware, the aviation regulator published his final determination on 27 August 2001.