Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017
78. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had in relation to the review of US preclearance at Dublin and Shannon airports announced on 30 January 2017 in response to President Trump's Muslim travel ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6033/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to state that I strongly disagree with the policy recently announced by President Trump to temporarily ban travel to the US by nationals of certain countries. As you know, there is currently a suspension in place for this Executive Order, which is the subject of an appeal at a US Federal Appeals Court and we await the outcome of that appeal.
Notwithstanding this, my officials have already been in contact with the US authorities and have conveyed our concerns about President Trump's Executive Order and its implications for US Preclearance Services at Shannon and Dublin Airports.
A meeting of the Preclearance Consultative Group had been arranged for 1 March 2017. However in light of recent events, my officials have requested that this meeting be brought forward. This is a mechanism outlined in the Preclearance Agreement which allows for representatives from both parties to meet and review any operational issues arising related to the Agreement. This meeting has now been set for Thursday 23 February.
As you will also be aware that An Taoiseach has requested that a review of US Preclearance in Ireland be undertaken by the relevant Departments:- Justice and Equality, Foreign Affairs and Trade and my own Department. I anticipate that a report will be made to An Taoiseach this week.
