Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2004
389 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if the 50-50 share of transatlantic landings between Dublin and Shannon as enshrined in the bilateral agreement between the Irish and US Governments will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3829/04]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 162 of 28 January 2004. Negotiations have begun between the European Commission and the US authorities to establish an EU-US open aviation area agreement. The third round of those negotiations will take place in Washington next month. Officials of my Department met with the Aer Rianta unions on a number of occasions late last year to hear their views on this matter.
I consider it appropriate for any changes that occur in this area to be on a phased basis over a number of years. To protect the Irish position and with a view to securing new US routes for Aer Lingus as well as taking account of the developing EU-US negotiations, I have authorised my officials to seek negotiations with the US so both sides can discuss arrangements for any possible phased amendments to the Ireland-US bilateral agreement. Negotiations have not yet commenced.
In January, I wrote to SIPTU and ICTU regarding, inter alia, the dual gateway status of Shannon and I confirmed my commitment to renew direct engagement with them to seek to work out a means of best addressing the challenges arising for Shannon Airport. I will also consult further with the board designate of Shannon Airport about this issue.
