Ulster Unionist Finance spokesperson, Leslie Cree has called for the issue of Air Passenger Duty in Northern Ireland to be addressed once and for all before it begins to hinder the growth of our local economy.
Leslie said
“The decision to protect our sole long haul flight to the U.S. was the right one and it is right to complete this exercise by approving the motion before us. However during the Committee’s work much was learned which necessitates further discussion and action.’
“Air Passenger Duty is a regressive tax which started out as an environmental tax but is now clearly a finance raising choice for the Government in Westminster. The tax is harmful to business, consumers, and the wider economy in Northern Ireland. Its application actually hinders the development of the economy which is the Executives first priority.’
“The fact that the UK imposes higher levels of duty than other parts of Europe is a major concern. Indeed many countries have now abolished APD type duty.’
“The rate of duty in the Irish Republic is currently 3 Euro and may be abolished. Given our shared land boundary with the Republic and a relatively short distance to Dublin Airport this is sure to have a significant economic impact on air services in Northern Ireland. We need to address this important issue.’