Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Olivia Mitchell would make a good snooker player as she tries to position me between two opposing points of view. The negotiations were difficult because I was trying to strike a balance to benefit the entire State but, equally, I wanted to achieved a transitional arrangement for Shannon Airport. The balance has been struck and even though open skies will be in place next year, there will not be an immediate explosion. All airlines whether they are based in America or Europe, will need to build capacity to take advantage. That transitional period will facilitate domestic airlines, particularly Aer Lingus, to do the same and they will not be disadvantaged.

The deal agreed in the EU-US negotiations, which was concluded last week, went well and more technical arrangements were agreed than everybody expected. It remains to be seen whether we will sign off on it at our December Council meeting. A two-step approach is likely. All member states will agree the deal in December but they will allow two or three months to monitor what happens in the control and ownership of airlines in America. It will be ratified at the March Council meeting and will be in place next year. That is generally the indication from all member states.

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