Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I do not want to be critical of the Minister because I am aware of the good job he is doing in his Department. However, given the length of time he has been in office I had hoped he would have engaged with this issue by now. While I accept the matter is not entirely the responsibility of his Department, pre-clearance of cargo at Irish airports can contribute to growth and employment. With that in mind, political contact should have already been made with the US Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of Transportation. The Taoiseach should also have engaged with the matter given that the global forum was organised at Farmleigh House to encourage business here.

This is a viable project which is supported by logistics companies worldwide. Lynx has indicated a willingness to participate in developing facilities in Shannon and the Minister and his Department have been helpful to the company. It is making its investment on the basis of the potential for long-term gains from the pre-clearance of cargo. Given that we have a fantastic opportunity to generate employment, will the Minister or his colleagues, the Ministers for Justice and Equality and Foreign Affairs and Trade communicate directly with the US Administration to advance the proposal?

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