Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions and their interest in this topic. I will try to address the number of matters raised and I look forward to working with Senators on Committee Stage. This Bill represents a landmark in the development of Irish aviation and I thank Members for recognising that. I am confident the Government's policy on preclearance will help Ireland on the road to economic recovery when the current recession passes.

The fee being set for preclearance at Shannon will increase from €1.50 to €10.50. This is an airport authority doing its own business and for that reason it would be a matter for it to decide what the costs should be and to recoup those costs. That is provided for in the memorandum and agreement. I do not believe it would be a good idea from anyone's point of view that there should be ministerial interference in that aspect of an airport's business anymore than in any other aspect of its day-to-day business.

It is very important the airport does not price itself out of the market. Obviously, it will have an eye to being as competitive as possible. Currently, air travel is almost a luxury except in respect of low cost fares. I suppose it involves discretionary spending. If too many costs are imposed, it could become very cost sensitive.

A number of Senators spoke about the importance of the facility being available and of marketing it. I have emphasised that repeatedly to the airport authorities, especially in Shannon, which are very alive to the opportunities and conscious of the need to market it proactively. We have offered assistance. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and I have indicated in our various roles that if the airport authorities need us to promote this we will do so as we promote Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland companies or Ireland as a destination for work. Senators are correct that it is very important we do not take it for granted that because this facility is in place and this is the only country outside the Americas which has this facility, it will automatically mean new business. If one does not go out and market it, one will not get that business.

I refer to immunity, the status of that immunity and why American personnel or citizens of the United States of America will provide this service. This is a United States of America service to travellers who originate in Ireland and are travelling to a destinations in the United States of America. Whatever regulation the US has in regard to preclearance officers and immigration, we must recognise that. We cannot second guess it or choose its personnel. As I said, there is a strong role for Irish personnel, including the Garda, in the preclearance area.

Increasing business and generating employment as a result of this facility is more to do with what I spoke about earlier, namely, marketing the facility, increasing the throughput of passengers at airports and attracting businesses from eastern Europe to transit through Shannon, which I believe we can do. That is where the jobs will be created.

Jobs can also be created if private jets land. Good marketing might mean we give people the opportunity to stay overnight or for a few nights in the area before travelling to the United States. Good marketing may capture a market there. That is very important.

I refer to the personnel working in this facility and diplomatic immunity. The officers operating there will have the equivalent of diplomatic immunity. Senator Ellis asked whether the preclearance area will be equivalent to the American embassy. The preclearance area will remain part of Ireland while, technically speaking, the American embassy is American soil. It is important to emphasise that.

A number of Senators raised the question of expenses and costs being met. We do not anticipate there will be huge costs involved and anticipate they will be able to be met from within existing resources.

I refer to the retention of documents. Documents are American consular documents and are the property of the United States of America. We have no control over those documents. They will remain with the United States of America.

I can categorically state that preclearance officers will not be allowed to carry weapons. As I said, where there is a necessity to detain people, they have the power to do so until the Garda Síochána arrives. They do not have a general power. Preclearance officers do not have to be US nationals but the likelihood is that they will be because they will be employed by the United States Government. However, they could be Irish nationals. Many of the people working in immigration inspections regard themselves as Irish because they have been here so long and enjoy it here. If I have missed one or two of the points Senators raised, I am sure we can tease them out on Committee and Report Stages.

Preclearance will bring many benefits to Ireland over the coming years. It will bring financial and economic benefits and will enhance the strong business and cultural relationship which exists between Ireland and the United States of America. It could be very important as another string to our bow in attracting American multinationals to this country. It is very important we use this opportunity to develop air links between the two countries and to maintain the close relationship we have.

This facility will bring obvious benefits to passengers and will make it much easier for them at the end of their journey. It will generate new transit business at Irish airports. We will continue to follow up on a number of active inquiries we have had about that. I am confident there is great scope for enhancing business, helping airports and generating new business opportunities not only in the airports but in their catchment areas.