Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Transport if, the recent passage of the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009, all scheduled airlines carrying passengers from Ireland to the US will process their passengers through this facility when it is operational at Shannon Airport from July 2009; the efforts he will make to encourage airlines to use this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28314/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As Deputies will be aware the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas last week and is due to be signed into law by the President this week.

My officials are working closely with the U.S. 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. I understand that three airlines will be using the service. Preclearance is voluntary and airlines can chose to sign up for it or not. I understand from Aer Lingus that the airline would face severe logistical difficulties in a situation where their ex Shannon flights would be precleared and their ex Dublin flights would not. Accordingly I understand that they have taken a decision to postpone using preclearance for their flights until the service is available both in Dublin and Shannon.

Two new daily British Airways services are due to use Preclearance services once they become operational at Shannon and I hope that more airlines will follow this example. It is important that Shannon Airport and local stakeholders vigorously market preclearance so that the service can be maximised for the benefit of Shannon and the Mid West Region.