asked the Minister for Transport and Power if a decision has been reached with regard to allowing US carriers to fly into Dublin; and, if not, when a decision will be forthcoming.
16.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Airline Landing Rights.
15.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of any change of attitude on the part of the American Government with regard to the proposed banning of AcLingus flights to New York: and if he will indicate the present position in the matter.
17.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the present position regarding the landing rights issue; and if he will indicate the Government's intentions in the matter.
18.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the outcome of the recent CAB hearing on the question of banning Aer Lingus from New York Airport from August next; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
19.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the Taoiseach has recently personally intervened with President Nixon with a view to having American demands for landing rights at Dublin Airport withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 together.
I am not aware of any change of attitude on the part of the United States Government with regard to the proposed withdrawal of the Aerlínte landing rights at New York. Under the relevant US administrative procedures, the Civil Aeronautics Board appointed an examiner to hold a public hearing at which Aerlínte were invited to show cause why the board should not make an order which, subject to the approval of the President of the United States, would give effect to the withdrawal of the New York landing rights. Aerlínte were represented at the hearing which took place on 27th March, 1972. As of now, I have no advice that the examiner's findings have been released.
No decision has yet been taken by the Government on the question of US landing rights at Dublin but, as I have previously indicated, the Government are determined to secure the best solution possible. The Taoiseach has not recently intervened personally with President Nixon in this matter. I do not propose to make any further statement at present.
Is the Minister aware that less than three months are left before a ban will be placed on Aer Lingus aircraft landing at New York? Will this not jeopardise booking arrangements? Will the Minister state if discussions are at present taking place with the American representatives on this question? Is there a deadline for the completion of any arrangement? What is that deadline?
Discussions have been taking place all the time at various levels. I agree with the Deputy that the matter is a very serious one. We are seeking the earliest possible solution to this matter, but, at the same time, we want to secure the best possible deal in so far as this country is concerned.
The Minister is not stating what effect this is having on Aer Lingus with regard to the uncertainty about their landings. The Minister may have all the information available and may not be giving it to us.
I can assure the Deputy and the House that heretofore Aer Lingus have been at no loss in this respect. Their whole marketing activity in the US has been on the basis that there will be a continuation of landing at New York after the termination date.
Could the Minister tell us whether bookings are at the same level as before?
As heretofore, yes.
Even allowing for the uncertainty of the situation can the Minister assure us that there is no drop in the volume of bookings?
Harder and tougher salesmanship on the part of Aer Lingus personnel in the US has resulted in their selling seats after the termination date in August on the basis that there will be a continuation of flights. There has been no diminution but we are now entering a serious phase in the situation.
Have the Government given Aer Lingus an assurance on this matter?
This is entirely an inter-governmental matter——
Is there a deadline for the discussions on the landing rights at Dublin Airport?
No, no deadline.
Are discussions still going on at present?
Yes.
When does the Minister think he will be in a position to make a statement?
I cannot say definitely. I want to secure the best possible deal for this country.
Within the next month?
I will not pin myself down to that.
Is the Deputy finished? Will he now allow Questions to continue?
Thank you. You will admit it is a very important matter.
The Minister made a forced landing.