asked the Minister for Transport and Power the latest position in relation to the US landing rights demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
57.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - US Landing Rights.
56.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the Government's policy on the American landing rights issue.
58.
andDr. Loughnane asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state the present position regarding the Shannon landing rights issue.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 57 and 58 together.
The last official talks with the US under the bilateral agreement took place in November, 1971. At these talks the US side pressed for full unrestricted entry to Dublin for all three US designated airlines with full onward rights, in return for restoration of Aerlínte's New York rights. As the House is aware, the talks adjourned without agreement being reached.
Since then there have been continuous contacts at diplomatic and political level culminating in the previous Taoiseach's discussion with President Nixon last January. Arising out of these contacts the US side indicated that they would be prepared to modify their demands so as to provide for entry of a single US carrier to Dublin with mandatory stops at Shannon in each direction and without onward rights. The latest US proposals are under consideration and I do not propose to say anything further on the subject at present.
Has the Minister any idea when the next discussions will take place?
They are taking place at the moment.
I thank the Minister for making such a full and fair statement and I hope the gentlemen of the press who have misstated this position will note what the Minister has now said.
Could I ask the Minister if he has consulted or will consult with his colleague, the Minister for the Gaeltacht, in regard to the resolution of this matter because, as he knows, the Minister for the Gaeltacht had the solution of this problem at his fingertips for a long time before he assumed office?
The Deputy should ask questions and not make statements.
I am asking if the Minister has consulted or will consult with the man who has the answer.
I can assure the Deputy that this matter will be decided at Government level and the Minister for the Gaeltacht is a member of the Government.
That is being very helpful.
(Interruptions.)