Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

On 16 March 2005, the European Commission decided to send infringement letters to 20 EU member states, including Ireland, that have bilateral air transport agreements with the USA. Ireland received that letter on 21 March 2005.

In the letter, the Commission expressed the view that, due to certain aspects of the EU bilateral aviation agreement with the USA, Ireland has failed to fulfil its obligations under the treaty establishing the European Community. The Commission has asked for a response within two months of receipt of the letter. This is a complex matter that will be examined carefully before a reply can be issued. Until that consideration is complete, I will not be in a position to comment on the matter.

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