Vol. 262 No. 4
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of the growing concern about the landing rights issue arising from the recent CAB decision to recommend debarment of Aer Lingus from New York from 18th August, he will now arrange for personal intervention with President Nixon with a view to having the ultimatum withdrawn and the existing bilateral air agreement renewed: and, if not, why.
16.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the action the Government now proposes taking following the recent CAB decision on the landing rights issue.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
As the House is aware, the Civil Aeronautics Board appointed an examiner under the relevant US administrative procedures to hold a public hearing at which Aerlínte were invited to show cause why the board should not make an order which, subject to the approval of the President of the United States, would give effect to the withdrawal of the Aerlínte New York landing rights as from 18th August. The examiner has now submitted his findings to the board in which he recommends deleting New York from the Aerlínte permit. Aerlínte had until 3rd July to file exceptions to the examiners recommendation and have until 13th July to file a brief with the board themselves. They are doing this.
The CAB hearing is in this context a matter between the airline and the US air licensing authority. The findings of the examiner do not prejudice the resumption of negotiations under the bilateral agreement in any way. Indeed informal discussions have been continuing at various levels with the US Government and it is hoped that formal negotiations will be resumed at an early date. No decision has yet been taken by the Government on the landing rights issue but, as I have previously indicated, the Government are determined to hold out for the best solution possible. I do not propose to make any further statement at present.
Since 18th August is only six or seven weeks away, can the Minister say whether a decision will be taken before 18th August, or is there a possibility of persuading the Americans even to extend the deadline?
It is entirely a matter for negotiations which are proceeding. The Deputy will appreciate the importance of their proceeding in a way in which our interests are not prejudiced in any way.
Many people think that it might now be opportune for the Minister to go to Washington to make an on-the-spot plea for the lift ing of this ultimatum and for the renewal of the existing bilateral agreement. Has the Minister considered the possibility of doing that and, if so, what decision has he reached?
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and I are in total contact with the situation all the time. I do not believe in any dramatic gestures as suggested by the Deputy. They would be more hurtful than helpful and, in my opinion, they are in the category of gimmickry.
