Michael Lowry
Ceist:223 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if a timeframe has been established for the EU-US open skies negotiations to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33415/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 December 2004
Ceisteanna (202, 203, 204)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:224 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the mandate he has given his officials travelling to the US for discussions on the US-Irish bilateral agreement; if the mandate he has given them includes safeguarding Shannon Airport and the economies of the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33416/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Lowry
Ceist:225 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if a delegation from his Department has travelled or is planning to travel to the United States to commence discussions on the Irish-US bilateral agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33417/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 225, inclusive, together.
No definite timeframe has been established for the resumption of EU-US talks. The general expectation is that they will not resume before next February.
As I indicated in answer to Question No. 61, of 7 December, officials from my Department will meet with US officials to explore what adjustments to the current Ireland-US arrangements are possible. That meeting is taking place today in Washington.