Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

Earlier the Minister acknowledged the facility at Shannon Airport cost €20 million to build while the facility at the Dublin Airport cost €30 million which was incorporated in the building of the second terminal. It puts Shannon at a disadvantage that it must raise its preclearance charges from €1.50 to €10.50 to recoup some of the building costs. I accept Shannon's preclearance facility will have the advantage over Dublin Airport of being open for a year and a half. The Minister has said the cost per passenger for Dublin Airport has not yet been made out. Will they be on a par with Shannon's charge? Shannon Airport should try to have lower charges, if at all possible. With transatlantic business being eroded, the charge puts a further constraint on the airport.

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