Move to block EU air tax

IRELAND has joined with a group of southern European countries to block a controversial new EU tax on air passengers that aims to raise money for the Third World.

The tax was discussed by EU finance ministers at the weekend as part of a package to meet the United Nations’ Millennium Development goals.

Irish finance minister Brian Cowen said proposals for a €10 departure tax, which would add €20 to the price of a return fare for passengers, would damage tourism and hurt low-fare airlines.