Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

The Minister spoke about speculation. There is speculation that he has already done a deal for a three-year lead-in period. Will that be the lead-in period? Why has the Minister decided to sell out on Shannon? He is going against the EU and the US because they were happy to have an agreement in place. What advantage would it be to Shannon to have an open skies policy? Experience has shown that where there is an open skies policy, the capital city benefits to the tune of 90% to 95%. With 50% of US industry located in Shannon, can the Minister guarantee there will be year round transatlantic services? A transition period of three years has been mentioned in the mid-west but there should be a greater transition period because the infrastructure in the area is not ready. Will the Minister opt for a longer lead-in period?

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