asked the Minister for Communications if he is satisfied that air traffic control equipment at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports is of the necessary standard; and if he will make a statement on the constant reports of inadequacy and potential danger.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Traffic Control Equipment.
19.
I am satisfied that the air traffic control equipment at the three State airports is adequate for the safety of air operations. The Deputy will appreciate that the replacement of equipment and the provision of improved facilities is an on-going activity. In excess of £7 million was spent on replacement equipment and improved facilities over the past four years. While there was a failure in the main air/ground communications equipment at Dublin Airport recently, at no stage was there a complete failure of communications as a reserve system remained available. The transmitters and receivers which failed on that occasion have since been replaced.
Would the Minister tell the House how much of the £3,050,000 that is listed in the 1985 Estimate for electronic equipment for air navigation services has been spent already this year?
I do not have that information here but I will let the Deputy have it as soon as possible.
Will the Minister explain the footnote in the Book of Estimates which says "included, capital services 1984, £429,000, 1985, £2,500,000"? Why is the £429,000 from 1984 included in the overall figure for the Estimate for 1985? Was it that there was money available for expenditure in 1984 which was not spent?
I will send a detailed reply to the Deputy. Over the past few years there have been substantial allocations in the Estimates for expenditure but very often because of the delay in getting tenders the money is not spent in a particular year and sometimes money is paid after the end of the year.
Would this have given rise to complaints which were being made by people involved in the service at Dublin Airport?
There have been complaints but some of the delays have been caused by failure to get agreement with some staffs on the use of new equipment. Delays have not been caused by my Department and there is not a lack of provision for the development of technical facilities at our airports.