asked the Minister for Transport and Power the Government's future and long term policy in relation to Shannon Airport; if this Airport has been the subject of talks with the United States Government; and, if so, if he will give details of such discussions and the results thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Airport.
23.
The Government's policy is to maintain Shannon Airport as a major international airport.
Shannon Airport has not been the subject of talks with the US Government. Discussions from time to time since 1949 with the US authorities have dealt with their request for the entry of the US air carriers to Dublin Airport. The last formal discussions were held in 1961. Further discussions on this subject have been requested by the US Government and are due to commence on the 1st November.
Would the Minister take cognisance of the representations that have been made by the workers in Limerick and Shannon Airport, and would he also take cognisance of the assurances given in Limerick by the Minister for Health in regard to the future of Shannon Airport?
I have already made two major speeches on this subject and the Deputy can have no doubt as to where I stand, or where the Government stand, on the matter.
Time will tell.