Donal Carey
Question:254 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if the European Community is negotiating a bilateral air agreement with the United States authorities; and her attitude to such proposals.
Written Answers. - Air Agreement.
I am aware that the EC Commission has had informal discussions on a number of occasions with the US Authorities on matters of common interest in the air transport field. In the absence of a formal mandate from the Council, the Commission is currently not authorised to conduct formal bilateral negotiations with the US on an air transport agreement.
The Commission is at present formulating updated proposals for negotiating bilateral air services arrangements between the EC Community and third countries, including the US. I understand that the EC Commission will shortly submit its updated proposals in the matter to the EC Council of Ministers which will discuss the proposals shortly thereafter.