Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy will be aware, this is an issue with which I am very familiar because I was centrally involved in it as Minister for Transport, and I believe strongly in advancing it. Unfortunately, the difficulties rest with those with whom we have to work rather than with ourselves. A combination of groups, including Ireland and the US as sovereign Governments, are involved in developing the facilities.

The current Minister for Transport sees the benefits arising from an agreement and I have stated on several occasions the importance of putting Shannon in place because this would give the area a kick-start in terms of having the unique selling point of full clearance facilities for Ireland. I understand there is no intention on the American side to look elsewhere in Europe because it is satisfied that Ireland is the best location. Two facilities, Shannon and Dublin, would more than adequately cover the requirements.

I am aware of business people who have decided to transit through Dublin or Shannon to the United States because of the clearance facilities currently available. The Deputy will concur that the new facilities would add greatly to the selling points that Ireland offers. Not only do they offer significant benefits for outbound as opposed to incoming traffic, but they also have great potential in terms of sustaining existing airlines and attracting new long-haul routes.

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