asked the Minister for Defence if he will state what steps, if any, have been taken to implement Article 7 (Treaty of 1921) in respect of Annex I.E. and 3, and whether he intends to provide facilities for the training and certification of civilian pilots; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training of Civilian Pilots.
Tomás O Maoláin
No steps have been taken to implement Article 7 of the Treaty in respect of Annex I.E. or 3 thereof. I understand from the Minister for Industry and Commerce, to whom this part of the question should have been addressed, that facilities for the training of civilian pilots are available, and that machinery for the certification of the same has been in existence for some time past.
Will the Minister give any indication as to when negotiations are likely to be opened in respect of Annex I.E. and 3?
No.
Will the Minister give any indication when the Minister for Industry and Commerce will provide facilities for the training of civilian pilots?
I answered that, but, perhaps, the Deputy did not hear my answer. I said I understand from the Minister for Industry and Commerce, to whom this part of the question should be addressed, that facilities for the training of civilian pilots are available, and that machinery for the certification of the same has been in existence for some time past.
Does that mean that a person desiring to take out a pilot's licence in the Free State can take it out under the supervision of the Department of the Minister for Industry and Commerce?
Yes, for a long time past.
Is the Minister aware that he has not even the instruments in the Free State for fulfilling the test necessary to qualify for a licence?
I am aware that we have.
Will the Minister state how long?
I cannot say that.
They were not there six months ago.
That is a wrong statement. The Deputy is generally inaccurate—definitely so on this occasion.
Will the Minister say that they were there six months ago?
If the Deputy puts down a question I shall answer it.