Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I can assure the Deputy that it will happen very shortly.

Deputy Troy asked about a timeframe for green cards. I do not have a firm indication. The insurance companies plan to begin issuing green cards in March in the event that no agreement has been reached between the UK and the EU. A period of one month's advance notice will be required for the delivery of individual green cards. The Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland, MIBI, will undertake a public communications campaign in the event that it proceeds with the issuing of green cards. I share the Chairman's desire that they should not last forever and that the earlier we can take them out of existence, the better. However, I have no indication that they cannot be done.

Several members referred to COM (2018) 893, which was referred to in a note provided to the committee today. It is just a revision. On 19 December, the European Commission published a draft proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules ensuring basic connectivity with regard to the withdrawal of the UK from the Union. The objective of this unilateral measure is to lay down provisions to govern air transport between the EU and the UK following the latter's withdrawal from the EU. The measures are subject to reciprocity with the UK and will only apply for a period of 12 months or until such time as a comprehensive air transport agreement between the UK and EU has been concluded under the future relationship. The proposal provides for a unilateral grant of first, second, third and fourth freedom air traffic rights to UK air carriers. These rights enable carriers to overfly and make technical stops in EU territory, as well as to serve direct routes between the respective territories. It is currently the subject of discussions at the ad hoc working group on Article 50. As the proposal is evolving, elements such as the inclusion of fifth freedom traffic rights for all cargo services, co-operative marketing arrangements such as code sharing and issues related to aircraft leasing are still being teased out.

Under the current proposal, the vast majority of flights to and from Ireland to the UK would still be able to operate post Brexit. Furthermore, I understand that charter flights operated by UK charter airlines to other EU member states or beyond would no longer be possible under the current proposal as it does not cover services between two foreign states, that is, seventh freedoms. Relevant charter operators and tour operators have been advised of this by officials from the Department and the Commission for Aviation Regulation.

The Department met representatives of ASL yesterday. They have no real concerns about air freight. There was a cap on freight at summer 2018 levels.