Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 331: To ask the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 330 of 22 April 2009, the situation regarding the provision of full US pre-clearance facilities at Shannon Airport; if the facility will be operational on 1 July 2009; if the legislation has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22477/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Shannon Airport Authority that the construction of the pre-clearance facility at the airport is due to be completed shortly and that they hope to have the facility operational by end-July. The Deputy will be aware that I published the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 last week. The second stage of the Bill is included in the schedule for Seanad Éireann later today and if passed in the Seanad, I hope to introduce it in Dáil Éireann as soon as possible thereafter to enable it to be enacted before the Summer recess.

My officials are working closely with the US authorities on the final aspects of the operating procedures between the two administrations to ensure that pre-clearance will work to the benefit of both countries. I am confident that these talks can be finalised to allow pre-clearance to be inaugurated in Shannon before the end of July.