asked the Mini-for Transport and Power if it is proposed to close down the air-traffic control training school at Shannon; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Traffic Control School.
37.
A limited measure of training for the air traffic control staff of my Department on which two instructors have been engaged has been in operation at Shannon Airport. The training facilities must be expanded considerably. The expanded service will be based on Dublin Airport because I am satisfied that for various reasons including the character of the airline operations and the radar facilities there, the maximum effectiveness in training can be achieved at Dublin Airport.
A limited measure of training will continue at Shannon and no consequential staff redundancy will occur there.
Is the Minister not aware that two instructors from the air traffic control school have been transferred to Dublin and that over the past six months several people employed in the air traffic control section have been sent to Dublin on training courses?
This is a highly technical matter involving the availability of radar training facilities. There are not radar training facilities everywhere and the particular sophisticated training in connection with radar systems, which is now a fundamental part of the course, is only available in Dublin. All that is involved is an exchange of personnel to Dublin to enable them to participate in this particular course.
Can the Minister say when this school was established at Shannon and what it cost?
It was established towards the end of 1967.
It was established in 1967 and there is equipment there to the value of £35,000.
I have not got that. The Deputy should put down a question about that.
Is the Minister aware that there is great danger of the air traffic control centre at Dublin Airport closing due to dissatisfaction——
This question relates to Shannon. Dublin Airport does not come into this question.
The Minister said in his reply they were being transferred to Dublin. There is great danger of the air traffic control centre at Dublin closing down due to dissatisfaction among the men who control it.
I know nothing of that. I doubt it very much but I will check on it, certainly.