I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
I am meeting representatives of the Mid Western Regional Authority later this week, when I will discuss any issues of concern to the authority. As I mentioned in my reply to the Deputy's previous question, on 17 November 2004, it has been Ireland's position at a number of recent Transport Councils, that while we are in favour of an open skies agreement between the EU and the US, Ireland's support would be contingent on an acceptable arrangement on Shannon being agreed between Ireland and the US, and that arrangement being reflected in the EU-US agreement.
I am conscious of the fact that the new board of Shannon Airport is now required to produce a business plan for the airport and that clarity on the open skies issue would be very helpful to that business planning process. I am also conscious that Irish airlines are currently restricted in the routes they can serve under the existing bilateral arrangement, and that expanding scheduled services across the Atlantic is of great importance to the growth of Irish airlines and Irish tourism, as well as for inward investment and trade generally.
Negotiations between the EU and US on an agreement to introduce open skies across the Atlantic are set to recommence early in the new year. Our priority is to keep Irish aviation strong by encouraging the State airports to compete and grow. This is good for Irish jobs and tourism.
