Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Commission is clearly preparing an open skies policy. It does not like the existing agreements in 20 different countries, so we are not alone on this. It is in preparation for the EU-US summit next month on open skies. The EU is entitled to take that view. I am taking legal advice on the implications of the letter. I will not put Ireland, particularly Shannon, in a weakened position by sitting back and doing nothing while the EU and the US come to a new agreement. We must position Ireland in a positive light. We must make sure we can do business with the US so that we can develop Shannon and air traffic between Ireland and the US.

See this speech in context