Vol. 536 No. 3
131 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the situation regarding negotiations between the European Union and the United States on air transport agreements; the implications of these negotiations for existing bilateral agreements; if her Department has carried out any evaluation of the opportunities and threats for Irish airports arising from these negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14164/01]
133 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the report that the European Union is seeking a mandate to enter negotiations with the United States on a new air agreement; the implications this will have for the bilateral agreement between Ireland and the United States of America; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14166/01]
I propose to answer Question Nos. 131 and 133 together.
There are currently no negotiations between the European Union and the United States regarding a transatlantic common aviation area. The Transport Council has not given the European Commission a mandate to continue such negotiations. It is not clear when, or if, any such negotiations will resume. Accordingly, in the absence of negotiations, I do not wish to speculate on what the implications would be for either the Ireland-United States bilateral air services agreement or Irish airports.
The Shannon stop requirement is an integral part of the Government's policy of balanced regional development and I do not foresee any change to this policy.
