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Ring describes himself as an avid supporter of the Irish football team. INPHO/Cathal Noonan
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Ring calls on airlines not to 'rip off' fans travelling to Euro 2012

The minister has said he expects an increase in prices ahead of the tournament, but has urged companies not to charge supporters excessive amounts.

JUNIOR MINISTER FOR Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, has called on airlines not to ‘rip off’ Irish football fans who are planning on travelling to watch the team play in the European Championships next summer.

Speaking on Today FM’s The Last Word yesterday evening, the minister said:
“I do expect prices to go up, but I don’t want them to rip off people that are in difficult times in this country at the moment.

“They love their football, they love their sport, and they’re going to be looking at every way to get out to the Championships next summer, and what I’m saying to the airlines is: be fair, in these difficult times.”

When host Matt Cooper suggested that airlines were entitled to price the tickets according to what they’ll sell at, Ring responded:

“I do expect an increase in prices, but there is a difference if something is €50 now and €100 when an event happens, that’s a rip off, because that’s increasing them by 100%.”

The minister added that he “didn’t know yet” if he would be travelling to the tournament next summer, but recalled how he attended the Irish side’s matches in Euro 88, describing it as “the best trip of my life”.

However, he added that he did not back TD Mick Wallace’s suggestion that the Dáil should take a ten-day break to coincide with next summer’s tournament.

Listen to the full interview here>

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