asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport (a) the Government policy in relation to the granting of landing rights at Shannon Airport to US carriers; (b) if applications for landing rights have been recently received and if so, from whom; (c) if the existing Bilateral Agreement with the US will be reviewed; and (d) if he will make a full statement on the implications for Irish Tourism and Aer Lingus of the recent action by the US Government.
Written Answers. - Shannon Airport Landing Rights.
300.
Policy in regard to landing rights at Shannon Airport for scheduled air services is governed by the terms of the air agreement between Ireland and the USA. Applications for authorisations to operate a series of charter flights from the US to Ireland were received recently from a number of US charter airlines. These applications are the subject of informal consultations currently in progress between the Irish and US administrations. Pending the outcome of these consultations it would not be appropriate to offer any general comments in the matter.