Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Transport when pre-clearance facilities will be introduced at Shannon and Dublin Airports; if facilities, infrastructure, staff or other logistical measures necessary for the commencement of the facilities have been put in place; the potential he foresees both facilities have in terms of generating additional business or revenue for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25370/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Shannon Airport Authority that the construction of the preclearance facility at the airport is due to be completed shortly and that they hope to have the facility operational by end-July.

Preclearance is due to be introduced at Dublin Airport when Terminal 2 opens there next year. In relation to the necessary legislation, the Deputy may be aware that the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 was passed by Seanad Eireann on the 16th of this month and I hope to introduce it in Dáil Éireann next week 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 preclearance will work to the benefit of both countries. My objective is that these collaborative efforts with the U.S. will allow preclearance to be inaugurated in Shannon before the end of July.

Preclearance is a significant development for Irish Aviation. As well as improving the passenger experience for those travelling to the U.S., preclearance should, over time, contribute significantly to the growth of new business for Irish Airports as airlines take advantage of unique opportunities arising from access to a wider range of airports in the U.S.