Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 581: To ask the Minister for Transport the situation regarding bilateral discussions on open skies policy between Ireland and the US; the timeframe for conclusion of these discussions; and the Government's position with regard to dual gateway status at Shannon Airport. [1597/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In answer to a previous reply on 14 December 2004, I indicated that my officials were in Washington engaging in exploratory discussions with US officials. Since then, both sides have maintained contact.

I have authorised these exploratory discussions against the background where the new board of Shannon Airport is now required to produce a business plan for the airport, and clarity on the open skies issue would be very helpful to that business planning process. I am also conscious that Irish airlines are currently restricted in the routes they can serve under the existing bilateral arrangement, and that expanding scheduled services across the Atlantic is of great importance to the growth of Irish airlines and Irish tourism.