Minister rejects ‘shakedown’ claim over €800 evacuation flight from Dubai

Neale Richmond defends €800 evacuation flight cost as Ireland organises charter services to bring citizens home from the Middle East

An Emirates airplane are parked at the Dubai International Airport after its closure on Sunday. Picture: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri

A Government minister has rejected claims that the fare of €800 per person for a chartered flight out of Dubai amid Middle East crisis was "a shakedown".

Minister of State with responsibility for international development and the diaspora Neale Richmond said he was disappointed by the claim, which Senator Patricia Stephenson made.