Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a system of US preclearance for freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54132/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Ireland-U.S. Preclearance Agreement signed by both Governments in 2008, provides for the preclearance of commercial and general aviation aircraft and their passengers. The agreement explicitly excludes cargo preclearance. An Ireland - US Preclearance Consultative Group, comprising  U.S. and Irish officials was established to monitor progress in preclearance and  the issue of freight preclearance has been raised in this forum. However it presents significant challenges and progress may take some time.