asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has received an application from Virgin Airlines to operate a £35 fare out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

No application has been received in my Department from the airline concerned to operate services between Britain and Ireland.

Would the Minister say whether there have been even any preliminary discussions with the said airline to operate out of this country?

There has been discussion between an official of my Department and representatives of, I think, two companies.

Was there any fare structure mentioned in those discussions?

I do not want to mislead the House — I read the report — I am not quite sure: I can check that for the Deputy. I do not want to be caught out on an inaccuracy.