asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the possibility of future changes in air traffic control to cater for supersonic aircraft is causing serious concern to air traffic control staff at Shannon Airport; and, if so, if he will make a full statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Air Traffic Control.
8.
I am not so aware. The control of upper airspace i.e. above 25,000 feet is the responsibility of Euro-control of which this country is a member. That organisation has initiated studies on the changes of the upper airspace control which may be necessary or desirable with the growth of air traffic and the advent of supersonic aircraft. Those studies, which include approval of the staffing and other implications for this country of possible changes, are still in progress. The control arrangement to be adopted ultimately will be the subject of protracted investigation and it is not possible to forecast the outcome.
Any concern the staff may feel in this matter should be pursued by them through normal Civil Service channels.