asked the Minister for Communications if he is satisfied that the regulations governing air transportation in this country are sufficiently stringent to maintain an acceptable level of safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Transport Regulations.
9.
I am quite satisfied that the regulations in force in this country are adequate to ensure the safety of air operations.
Would the Minister not agree that because of the many major accidents and the many near misses especially with small aircraft on unscheduled flights, it is time the regulations were reviewed?
We have one of the best safety records in the world. I am satisfied that the safety regulations and arrangements in this sphere are adequate. The regulations are reviewed constantly but suggestions from Deputies as to how improvements might be made will always be considered. We are at all times vigilant in finding any gaps there might be in the regulations with a view to putting matters right but we cannot guarantee 100 per cent safety because regardless of what regulations may be in force, the possibility of accidents can never be excluded. However, there is an onus on those of us who have responsibility in this area to ensure that the best safety arrangements possible are in operation and to ensure also that the human element in those arrangements is kept at a very high level of performance because there can be slips in that respect from time to time.
Is it not time to review the limitations on single pilot flights especially in the light of the accidents in the past couple of years regarding such flights? Such activities as stunt flying and aerial displays should be considered with a view to changing the limitations.
As I have said, these matters are kept under constant review in the air navigation services office. If there are certain items with which the Deputy is concerned I can arrange for him to discuss these issues with the relevant technical officials.