Emmet Stagg
Question:69 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the proposals for a single EU-US air traffic agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22726/00]
Written Answers. - Air Traffic Agreement.
With regard to the proposals for a single EU-US air traffic agreement, this issue has been the subject of discussions in the Transport Council since 1996. The European Commission has been seeking a full mandate from the Council to negotiate an EU-US traffic agreement. In these Council discussions I have been, and will continue to be, opposed to the concept of such an agreement, because I believe it would restrict our ability to negotiate regulatory arrangements with the US to suit Ireland's needs specifically.
I do not anticipate that the Transport Council will agree during this presidency or the next to give the Commission the mandate it seeks.