Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

On the air navigation and transport (pre-clearance) Bill, it appears an announcement from Ryanair that it may reduce the number of aircraft on its services into and out of Shannon from six to five in the summer and from six to two in the winter is imminent. Ryanair is blaming the Government travel tax imposed in the budget for this development. It was expected that the pre-clearance facility, which could be the saving grace for Shannon, will be up and running in July. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the legislation will be brought forward? It is stated in the Government's legislative programme that the heads have not yet been approved. The Bill cannot be delayed because it is imperative for Shannon that the pre-clearance facility be put in place as soon as possible.

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