asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the countries for which Aer Lingus have fifth freedom rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate in the Official Report a statement setting out the fifth freedom rights for Irish carriers, as provided for in bilateral air services agreements concluded by Ireland with various countries.

Following is the Statement:

Fifth freedom rights for Irish carriers, as provided for in air services agreements concluded by Ireland.

(See Footnote 1)

Footnote 1

The fifth freedom rights outlined above can only be implemented when the Irish authorities and the two foreign States agree to an Irish carrier operating on a commercial basis between them. Therefore, the Irish, UK and Belgian authorities would each have to give approval before an Irish carrier could operate between Manchester and Brussels for instance. Aer Lingus do not at present operate any routes on a fifth freedom basis.

Footnote 2

Fifth freedom rights on Dublin-Lourdes-Rome were withdrawn by the French authorities in 1981 but were restored in 1986.

Footnote 3

Fifth freedom rights on the routes (i) Dublin-Zurich-Rome; and (ii) Dublin-Geneva-Milan, were withdrawn by the Italian authorities in 1980 and 1985 respectively.

Footnote 4

Fifth freedom rights on the following routes were withdrawn by the UK authorities on a phased basis in the 1970s:

Obviously, I am unaware of what the document will contain. Will the Minister agree that the fifth freedom rights are an extremely important entity for an airline such as Aer Lingus to maintain themselves as a major airline in the future? Will he increase their rights in other countries throughout Europe in order to enhance Aer Lingus operational potential?

I can reply strongly in the affirmative in that regard. I should like to include another air company which would also benefit by an extension of fifth freedom rights and that is Ryanair, which operates out of this country also.