Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the implications for Irish tourism policy of the outcome of the recent Irish/US Governments meeting on the introduction of a US customs pre-clearance facility for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24466/08]

John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had discussions with the relevant Minister to ensure the rapid introduction of legislation to facilitate US customs pre-clearance based here in view of its importance for Irish tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24518/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 97 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, primary responsibility for the negotiations on introducing pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports rests with my colleague the Minister for Transport. The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism has however, been kept informed of developments in regard to the possible introduction of pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports for US bound passengers.

I understand that during the course of 2006 and 2007, the Department of Transport held a number of informal meetings with the US authorities with a view to exploring the scope for giving Dublin and Shannon airports full pre-clearance status. Formal proposals were received from the US authorities in December last year and formal negotiations with the US on the basis of these proposals began in January this year. Further talks were held between both sides in Dublin at the end of May and further progress was made. While pre-clearance will require new legislation and the conclusion of an Inter-Governmental Agreement with the US, I understand that it is hoped to have both in place by the end of 2008.

In terms of the implications for Irish tourism, obviously the introduction of pre-clearance facilities would be a welcome development and the issue has been raised with me by tourism interests. From the perspective of passengers, it means that because they are processed through all US entry procedures before they travel, they will have an uninterrupted passage through the US airport when they arrive at their destination. Accordingly, if such an agreement can be reached it should help Dublin and Shannon airports to better position themselves as hubs for US bound flights as they would have a competitive advantage over other airports without such facilities. People using our airports as hubs could, of course, be encouraged to spend time in Ireland as part of their travel arrangements. Furthermore, such an agreement could in time encourage the development of new routes into Shannon and Dublin airport from some of the smaller American airports.

While an agreement has not yet been concluded, I will continue to monitor developments in this area. When any agreement is finalised, I would be encouraging all of the relevant stakeholders, including the relevant tourist agencies, to take all necessary steps to maximise the potential benefits from the new procedures.