asked the Minister for Transport the latest position regarding the provision of customs pre-clearance facilities at Shannon: and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The proposal to set up a customs pre-clearance facility at Shannon Airport is at present under active consideration within my Department. There are a number of complex issues involved requiring detailed consultations with a number of other Government Departments and State bodies.

Meetings have also taken place with the US authorities, who have yet to clarify some aspects of the proposal. I appreciate the need for an early decision and I can assure the Deputy that consideration of the matter is being pursued energetically.