Written answers
Tuesday, 10 February 2004
Department of Transport
Air Services
10:00 pm
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for Transport if the 50-50 share of transatlantic landings between Dublin and Shannon as enshrined in the bilateral agreement between the Irish and US Governments will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3829/04]
Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 162 of 28 January 2004. Negotiations have begun between the European Commission and the US authorities to establish an EU-US open aviation area agreement. The third round of those negotiations will take place in Washington next month. Officials of my Department met with the Aer Rianta unions on a number of occasions late last year to hear their views on this matter.
I consider it appropriate for any changes that occur in this area to be on a phased basis over a number of years. To protect the Irish position and with a view to securing new US routes for Aer Lingus as well as taking account of the developing EU-US negotiations, I have authorised my officials to seek negotiations with the US so both sides can discuss arrangements for any possible phased amendments to the Ireland-US bilateral agreement. Negotiations have not yet commenced.
In January, I wrote to SIPTU and ICTU regarding, inter alia, the dual gateway status of Shannon and I confirmed my commitment to renew direct engagement with them to seek to work out a means of best addressing the challenges arising for Shannon Airport. I will also consult further with the board designate of Shannon Airport about this issue.
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