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Gnáthamharc

Aviation Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 May 2017

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Ceisteanna (60)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

60. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consequences for aviation here if a single aviation market is not maintained with the UK; and if he has had discussions with his UK and European Union counterparts on a future air service agreement with the UK to ensure same. [22128/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Aviation services between the UK and Ireland and within the EU operate within the EU Single Aviation Market. When the UK leaves the EU, an alternative aviation agreement between the UK and the remaining 27 EU Member States will be required.  In the absence of such an agreement, existing traffic rights could be negatively impacted, including the rights of Irish licensed airlines to fly between the UK and Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU, within the UK, and between the UK and a range of other third countries.  The full implications for Ireland of the UK leaving the single aviation market will only become apparent as formal Brexit negotiations develop. Ireland's priority for aviation will be to protect a fully liberalised and deregulated market in order to ensure no erosion of our connectivity or disruption to airlines, airports, business, tourism and personal travel. I have not had the opportunity to meet with my UK counterpart or my other EU counterparts since the British referendum on Brexit took place.  However, staff from my Department in the Permanent Representation in Brussels and all Departmental staff attending EU meetings are in regular contact with their counterparts in other EU states, and are building on our assessment of the impacts for aviation across the EU with a view to the negotiations ahead. My Department is also engaging with aviation stakeholders on a regular basis.  I chaired the All Island Dialogue on Transport & Logistics on 23 January in Dundalk at which the seriousness of the aviation challenges arising from Brexit were emphasised.

The Secretary General of my Department and members of the Department's Management Board also had an extensive meeting with their UK Department for Transport counterparts on January 19th 2017 in London on the transport implications for both States of Brexit, including the challenges facing the aviation sector as a result of the UK exit.

The outcomes of the dialogue, meetings and other transport fora feed into the overall Department analyses. These analyses inform the Government position and form the basis for engagement by the Department of the Taoiseach with the European Commission's negotiating team in preparing for the EU/UK negotiations. I am seeking a meeting with the European Commission's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, and his team to discuss the implications of Brexit on aviation and other transport modes.

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