Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 475: To ask the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 27 February 2008, if he will report on the progress made to date on negotiations, between Ireland and the US on plans to extend the US customs and border protection facility at Shannon Airport; if legislation is required, if this legislation will come before Dáil Éireann during this term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11900/08]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress with regard to the development of full customs and border protection facilities at Shannon Airport, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11978/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 475 and 478 together.

U.S. proposals for the provision of pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon Airports were submitted to my Department in late December 2007. Formal negotiations on the proposals commenced with the U.S. authorities on 29 January last and further discussions are envisaged. I look forward to making good progress with the U.S. authorities in the period ahead. Given that the matter is still under negotiation it is too early to say when I will be in a position to publish any necessary legislation.