asked the Minister for External Affairs whether there has been any recent renewal of effort by the American airlines for permission to fly into Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - American Airline Flights into Dublin.
4.
There has been no request from the United States authorities for formal consultations under the Air Transport Services Agreement since the talks which took place in November last.
I did not ask if there was a request for a renewal of negotiations. In view of the fact that it is well known that developments are taking place at the American end, will the Government now be compelled to accede to such a request, in view of the fact that prolonged negotiations took place on this very question not so long ago?
The Deputy would be advised to read the agreements we entered into with the United States Government regarding the transatlantic services, the American rights to land here and our rights to land in the United States. The basic document of the 1945 Treaty says that at any time either party can call for consultations on any changes they may suggest.
Do we take it from that that negotiations can be asked for every 60 days?
Yes.
In the event of this application being renewed, may we take it that the attitude of the Government has not changed?
The Government will enter into consultations as they are obligated to do by the terms of the Treaty.
Does the Minister recall that the Minister for Health, Mr. O'Malley, said in Limerick that so long as Fianna Fáil remained in office, the American jets would not fly into Dublin?
I think what he said was that the rabbits would not be running about in Rineanna.