The Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey T.D. this morning held discussions with Ms. Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary for Homeland Security, on the implementation of the Ireland-U.S. preclearance agreement.Legislation to give effect to the agreement is scheduled to be debated in Dáil Éireann tomorrow having already passed all stages in Seanad Éireann. In the course of these discussions Secretary Napolitano confirmed that precleared aircraft arriving from Ireland would be allowed to land at U.S. domestic airports, as well as U.S. international airports. Secretary Napolitano also confirmed that the United States was fully committed to preclearance at Shannon notwithstanding any downturn in flights to the U.S. during the winter months.
Speaking today Minister Dempsey said; “Secretary Napolitano and I had an excellent discussion this morning on the introduction of preclearance for flights to the United States from Irish Airports. This follows on from the landmark agreement on preclearance that I signed with Ms Napolitano’s predecessor, Michael Chertoff last November.”
Minister Dempsey added “Both the U.S. and Irish Governments are looking forward to the inauguration of this service, which will commence with commercial flights from Shannon on 29 July while preclearance for general aviation is scheduled to commence there in the Autumn. Both the Secretary and I agreed that preclearance will bring great benefits to both our countries.”
Departmental officials will travel to Washington in the coming days to finalise agreement on the procedures under which preclearance will operate.
(Above image) Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey T.D. and Ms. Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary for Homeland Security.
