Phil Hogan
Ceist:59 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the status of EU negotiations with the United States on Open Skies. [29704/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 28 September 2006
Ceisteanna (76, 77)
Phil Hogan
Ceist:72 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport if there is failure to reach agreement on Open Skies; and if he will pursue a new bilateral with the United States. [29705/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 72 together.
As I indicated in a written answer yesterday in November 2005 EU and US negotiators concluded work on the text of a first-phase EU-US Open Skies agreement. The text was unanimously endorsed at the December 2005 Transport Council subject to sufficient progress by the US side on opening up ownership and control of US airlines to EU investors. The formal US process of changing its ownership and control rules was expected to be concluded in August 2006 so that a final decision could be taken at the October Transport Council. However, due to difficulties on the US side the rule-making process has been extended.
I am fully committed to the view that the liberalisation of air transport services between Ireland and the US will deliver major benefits for Irish business and tourism. I have written to EU Commissioner Barrot strongly urging the Commission to continue engagement with the US Authorities so that they can be in a position to bring forward a proposal for decision at the October Transport Council that will incorporate the Irish transition arrangements. In the absence of progress at EU level I intend to seek to implement, in accordance with the applicable Community law, the essential elements of the transitional arrangements by way of an amendment to the Ireland-US bilateral Air Services Agreement.