Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 539: To ask the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 8 July 2009, his views on the failure of Aer Lingus to sign up to new US pre-clearance facilities at Shannon; if he has held discussions with the airline in relation to this matter; if he will report on these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30497/09]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for Transport his views regarding the non-usage of the new full US customs and border protection facility at Shannon Airport by Aer Lingus; the actions he has taken to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30830/09]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 552: To ask the Minister for Transport the additional resources that have been given to Shannon Airport authorities in order to market the new full US customs and border protection facility at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30831/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 539, 551 and 552 together.

Given the very significant investment involved in the construction of the preclearance facility at Shannon, I would hope that as many flights as possible would use the preclearance services there. However, I understand that Aer Lingus would face severe logistical difficulties in U.S. airports in a situation where their ex-Shannon flights would be precleared and their ex-Dublin flights would not. Preclearance will not be available at Dublin Airport until Terminal Two is operational in 2010. Accordingly I understand that the airline has taken a decision to postpone using preclearance for their U.S.-bound flights until the service is available both in Dublin and Shannon. Responsibility for marketing preclearance facilities at Shannon Airport is a matter for the Shannon Airport Authority.