Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that work had already commenced on the legislation while I was Minister, so there is no question of my colleague being slow in progressing it. The Government is aware of the benefits of this agreement. We will certainly endeavour to establish facilities at Shannon at the earliest opportunity, although the construction work on Dublin Airport will have to be completed before a facility is established there because it will be located in the new terminal building.

I understand that all the major technical and legal issues that have arisen in respect of both the US and Ireland have been resolved and we are now working on minor issues. It is the intention of the Minister for Transport to bring the legislation before the House as soon as it is ready and I am sure all Deputies will want to support that so that the facilities can be opened at the earliest opportunity.

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