Operational decisions about the use of preclearance facilities are a matter for the Airport Authority, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the airlines concerned. In the case of Shannon Airport, I understand from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) that the US Preclearance facility for commercial aviation at Shannon Airport has been fully operational since 5 August 2009 and that a number of commercial airlines operating from Shannon have used the facility since then. The next phase of preclearance at Shannon is to extend its use to private aviation traffic. The necessary infrastructure is in place and my Department, in conjunction with the Shannon Airport Authority, is working closely with the U.S. authorities on all relevant aspects, including security measures, with a view to having this phase of preclearance operational as quickly as possible.
The preclearance facility will be provided in Terminal Two at Dublin Airport and is due to commence operations when the terminal opens in November 2010. In relation to the issue of body scanners, I refer the Deputy to my answer to question no. 179 on 4 February last.