Vol. 260 No. 1
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the outcome of the recent CAB inquiry into the question of banning Aer Lingus from New York; and if he will make a statement outlining the implications of this inquiry for the Ireland-US bilateral air agreement.
56.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power when a decision is likely to be taken about the future of the Ireland-US bilateral air agreement.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.
The US examiner who conducted the recent hearing is expected to submit his findings to the US Civil Aeronautics Board within the next few weeks. These findings should not in any way prejudice the resumption of negotiations under the bilateral agreement.
Would the Minister not agree that it is of the utmost importance that a decision one way or the other on this matter should be reached as quickly as possible?
I agree but we are proceeding on the basis that matters will continue as they are and the Aer Lingus information and card bookings made so far indicate that the travel agents in North America are proceeding on the same basis, so that far from this matter interfering with trade from North America, it is expected that passenger traffic from North America to Ireland will increase this summer. It is already increasing.
Would the Minister not agree that in the event of the American airlines coming to Dublin, the delay in this case is preventing bookings?
It is not preventing any bookings so far as Aerlínte are concerned.
What the Minister is saying is that he would prefer to prevent any bookings being made to Dublin in the event of the Americans insisting on their line.
Can the Minister say whether he is taking any action on the suggestion I made to him the other day—that the Taoiseach might again personally intervene with President Nixon with a view to having the ultimatum withdrawn and the status quo maintained, particularly at this time when the climate might be favourable towards this type of intervention?
Every political initiative possible has been taken by the Taoiseach, by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and by the Government in this respect. Already the American President has indicated that he is agreeable to the American airlines stopping at Shannon each way in the event of coming to Dublin. That concession has been gained by the personal intervention of the Taoiseach with President Nixon.
Was that not the original offer?
The Deputy is misinformed.
