Cork transatlantic air service
Deputy Jerry Buttimer asks the Taoiseach to help secure US approval for a Norwegian airline’s transatlantic service from Cork. The Government supports the service and says the Transport Minister has raised the matter with US and European authorities.
I wish to raise two points in the context of the Irish Aviation Authority (Amendment) Bill in connection with the issuing of permits in the United States to a Norwegian airline for a transatlantic flight out of Cork. I have raised the matter with the Minister in the context of the EU-US Open Skies policy, which is a very important issue in the context of this House. Will the Taoiseach take up the matter with the US authorities on his trip to Davos today in order that we can make every effort at the highest level in the United States because it is a US issue that is blocking the issuing of the permit?
Comment on this
I am sure the Deputy can raise the matter with the Taoiseach after the Order of Business.
Comment on this
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Donohoe, has informed me that he has raised the matter directly with the US Secretary of Transport and the European Commission. The Government is supportive of the service being allowed into Cork. We hope that can become a reality.