Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

On the open skies agreement, today, I read in the International Herald Tribunethat the US Government is responding to the demands of Congress and the agreement cannot go ahead. We do not know for how long this will be the case but the agreement will definitely be delayed. Previously, the Minister mentioned that there would be an interim agreement if that occurred. Is the interim agreement contingent on open skies or can it proceed? The Minister said that he would go to America to secure the interim agreement of three extra destination airports and the three-for-one rule rather than the one-for-one rule. If Aer Lingus is not to use Shannon Airport, it is important that other airlines can. It is also important for the sale of Aer Lingus that investors are certain about its potential markets.

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