Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief and appreciate the Chairman's indulgence as I am not a member of the committee, but as I am aware that we will probably be called away for a vote in the Seanad shortly, I apologise in advance.

I want to make one point that follows on from those raised by Deputies Robert Troy and Imelda Munster about the EU-US open skies agreement. I hope the Commissioner will return after this visit with an understanding of the importance of achieving a new agreement, not only for the island of Ireland but also the entire European Union after Brexit. I hope this afternoon's Council meeting will be successful and that we are getting closer to being able to move on to deal with the three key issues which will allow the discussion of other matters.

Regarding a new EU-US-UK open skies agreement, Ireland geographically is much more exposed than many countries on the Continent. We are also exposed in the airlines that use our airspace. It would be an easy fix or win for all three parties concerned after Brexit. Unfortunately, there is considerable reluctance in the United Kingdom to admit that there is a problem. I do not believe British Airways has commented on it yet; easyJet has belatedly come out on the matter, while Michael O'Leary and Ryanair have been at the forefront, although I know that Mr. O'Leary is not currently very popular. It is key that we send back that message, that this deal must be sorted out before March to allow airlines to sell into the market.