Air Services.

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Questions (314, 315)

Pat Breen

Question:

415 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport, further to Question No. 392 of 10 February 2004, the transatlantic services out of both Dublin and Shannon which are supported under the Aer Rianta route support scheme in view of his efforts and responsibilities to develop transatlantic services to and from Ireland, and in view of the fact that the Aer Rianta website does not give a route by route analysis as previously requested; the stage they are at under the current scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5670/04]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

As I stated in my earlier reply of 10 February 2004 to Question No. 392 from the Deputy, Aer Rianta's support schemes for the development of new routes at the State airports are a day to day operational matter for the company. I understand from Aer Rianta, however, that the company would be happy to endeavour to address supplementary enquiries directly from the Deputy regarding the operation of their incentive schemes for new route development.

Pat Breen

Question:

416 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if his Department intends to negotiate on the bilateral transatlantic agreement with the US authorities outside of the current EU-US process; if the negotiations have commenced; the minimum position of the Government for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5671/04]

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Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

As I have previously indicated to the House on a number of occasions, I have authorised my officials to seek negotiations with the US on possible phased amendments to the Ireland-US bilateral agreement. negotiations have not yet commenced.

On 5 February I met with the Aer Rianta unions for further discussions on the dual gateway status of Shannon. There will be further discussions with the unions and the Shannon board-designate before the negotiating position is finalised.