Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the US preclearance facilities at Shannon Airport; the feedback from airlines availing of the service; when he expects an airline (details supplied) to commence using the facility; if there are outstanding issues or difficulties which need to be addressed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42924/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Preclearance facilities at Shannon Airport became operational on 5 August 2009. I understand from the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) that airline and passenger feedback of the facility to date has been very positive. Having completed Preclearance at Shannon Airport, both the airlines and passengers enjoy the advantages associated with arriving at a Domestic Airport terminal in the U.S. This has enabled significantly faster passenger processing times through these terminals and shorter connection times for onward destinations.

Operational decisions about the use of the preclearance facilities are a matter for the Airport Authority and the United States Department of Homeland Security and the airlines concerned. The next phase of Preclearance at Shannon is to extend its use to general aviation traffic. The necessary infrastructure is in place for General Aviation Preclearance and my Department, in conjunction with the SAA, is working with the U.S. authorities to start this phase of Preclearance as quickly as possible.