Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Transport if, further to negotiations ongoing at EU level and with the US on the implementation of an open skies policy, he will commission an impact study on the effect such a policy will have on Shannon and Cork airports, in view of the experience of other states which have implemented a similar policy. [29497/05]

James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will sanction an impact study regarding the change of the bilateral agreement at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29626/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 238 together.

I refer the Deputies to my reply to a similar question from Deputy Pat Breen on 4 October 2005, which I answered along with a question from Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. As I have said previously, I do not believe an impact study of the kind proposed is required. The restructuring of the State Airports, including Shannon, is intended to enhance their regional focus and I am encouraged by the close co-operation between the new Shannon Airport Authority and the other regional development bodies in the area.

Work under way in my Department on a ten year transport investment framework will address the future infrastructural requirements of the mid-west region. The restructuring of the State Airports, including Shannon, will be progressed in the light of the assessment in due course, by both myself and the Minister for Finance, of the business plans which are currently under preparation by the three airport authorities. The development of an EU-US open skies regime provides many opportunities for Shannon Airport to contribute to the development of the mid-west. The liberalisation of the aviation market between the EU and US will mean more, not fewer, opportunities for Shannon to develop new routes into North America.

Finally, it has been the consistent policy of this Government that any change in transatlantic arrangements will be accompanied by an appropriate transitional arrangement to enable a smooth phasing in of open skies with the US in the future.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Transport the bodies he will designate to enforce air passenger rights for disabled passengers as agreed at the EU Transport Council meeting of 6 October 2005; and when he will do so. [29064/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The October EU Transport Council agreed a general approach to this proposed regulation. The agreement of the European Parliament is also required and the EU Presidency is working closely with the Parliament with a view to reaching agreement in the first reading at Parliament. This would prepare the ground for its formal adoption at the December EU Transport Council.

I cannot designate an enforcement body until such time as the regulation is finally adopted and becomes law. The decision on designation of an enforcement authority will, of course, have to take account of the provision of the regulation as adopted.