asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the serious concern in the south and west of Ireland following the recent Aer Rianta statement objecting to the proposal by Aer Lingus to confine the week-end air fares to the London-Dublin route; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

No proposals have been made to me for week-end fares on the London-Dublin route.

Just to clarify the position, would the Minister agree that week-end excursion rates should apply to Shannon and Cork as well as to Dublin? Would he give an assurance on this?

Aer Lingus have decided that the same rates applying at the moment to Dublin will apply for Dublin, Shannon and Cork.