Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Transport if the transition period envisaged for Shannon Airport prior to the introduction of a full open skies policy is three years; the reason he is not negotiating for a longer period; if he will introduce public service obligation levies for certain routes between Shannon and the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32176/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As I have indicated in responses to previous questions, it is my clear intention to ensure that an EU-US open skies agreement contains an appropriate transitional arrangement for Shannon. The details of the transition arrangement will be a matter for negotiation with the US. I do not propose to compromise my negotiating position by giving details of what I might seek at this stage.

There is no proposal under consideration at present for the introduction of a public service obligation, PSO, regime for air services between Shannon and the United States. Such an arrangement would not be permitted under the existing EU regulations governing PSOs, which relate solely to intra-regional air services within the EU.