asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the date on which machinery for the certification of civilian pilots was set up, and the number of persons who have availed of it for the purpose of securing (1) an "A" licence, (2) a "B" licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civilian Pilots.
Tomás O Maoláin
Directions relating to the machinery for granting pilots' licences were issued on the 26th September, 1930, and the number of persons who have availed of it is, for "A" licences, two, and for "B" licences, four.
Is the Minister aware that, in order to comply with the international convention for the giving of a "B" licence, a certain amount of night flying has to be experienced by the pilot, and there is no arrangement for night flying in the Saorstát? Is the Minister prepared to say that the "B" licences granted in the Saorstát are recognised by the international convention?
I am not prepared to reply to any of these supplementary questions; they have nothing to do with the question.
The expression "B" licence conveys the interpretation that it is a "B" licence according to the international convention. The Minister says that four persons have received "B" licences, and I am pointing out that we have not facilities to grant "B" licences in accordance with the international convention.
I am not disposed to accept readily the Deputy's submission on that point.