Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the recent closure of a duty free outlet in the area designated as the US Pre-Clearance Area at Shannon Airport; the reason for this closure; the efforts that are being made in conjunction with the US Government to resolve this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24113/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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This is a matter that falls within the operational responsibilities of the Dublin and Shannon Airport Authorities.

However, I understand that a retail shop for passengers is open and fully operational within the U.S. preclearance area in Shannon Airport and that its operating procedures have been agreed with the local U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff. I understand that initially the shop operated as a temporary facility and after a successful trial period a new shop was constructed.

Following this, there was a very short period of time when the shop was not open to allow CBP staff to review the operation and to certify that their requirements with regard to U.S. customs were met.