Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

The Ireland-US pre-clearance agreement signed by both Governments in November 2008 provides for the pre-clearance of commercial aircraft as well as general aviation, both private and business aircraft. General aviation pre-clearance at Shannon Airport was always considered an important feature of pre-clearance given the number of such aircraft that already land there for refuelling en route to the US. The agreement does not provide for cargo pre-clearance.

It has always been Ireland's position that when passenger pre-clearance was fully established, discussions on the pre-clearance of air cargo from Ireland would be opened up with the US. Accordingly, with the advent of commercial pre-clearance at Dublin Airport earlier this year following its commencement in Shannon in 2009 the issue has been raised in the context of the pre-clearance consultative group, which held its inaugural meeting in April. The group comprises US and Irish officials and was established to monitor progress in pre-clearance and deal with issues that arise. My Department will continue to pursue the matter with the US authorities with a view to achieving a positive outcome for Ireland.

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