asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will make a statement on recent allegations that Dublin Airport lacked radar cover on several occasions due to inadequate staffing.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Airport Staffing.
4.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to claims, made by a trade union representative of air traffic controllers at the recent conference of the UPTCS, that Dublin Airport lacked radar cover on a number of recent occasions partly because of inadequate staffing; the steps, if any, he intends to take to increase the number of air traffic controllers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
23.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has satisfied himself with the level of staffing of air traffic control offices at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
33.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has satisfied himself that the quality of air traffic control in Irish statutory air space is satisfactory and that there is no danger to the public as a result of the increased volume of air traffic; the steps, if any, he proposes to take to accommodate the projected increase in air traffic volume; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 19, 23 and 33 together.
Since 1986 there has been a tremendous increase, both here and in Europe, in aviation activity. That increase, when seen as advances in tourism, business and in the whole Irish economic climate, is most welcome. Inevitably the increased air traffic has strained staff resources, particularly in the Air Traffic Control Service. I am fully aware of the position and I am glad to say that arrangements are being made for the induction of a substantial number of staff into the service. My objective is to ensure that there are adequate staff numbers available for training, to deal with this traffic level and to cope with future expansion. I have seen and regret the alarmist references to the lack of radar cover at Dublin Airport. The radar at Dublin, at times, is subject to meteorological clutter. The phenomenon is well known to controllers, who have procedures to deal with it.
In addition to replenishing staff resources, I must also mention that there is also a major equipment replacement programme under way. That programme, at a cost of £30 million, is to replace the radar, communications, instrument landing and navigational aids in the country. The new radar for Dublin, a high quality modern system that is used throughout Europe, will be in place by the end of this year or early next year and will not be subject to meteorological clutter.
As I have said, the growth in air traffic is not confined to this country. In Europe, there are now major difficulties arising from shortages of staff, equipment, organisation, procedures and airspace to handle the present volume of traffic. As a result air traffic throughout Europe is being restricted to maintain the safety of the overall system. These restrictions, I regret to say, will encompass this country causing delay and disruption of air traffic. Naturally, every effort will be made to minimise the impact of these restrictions.
I recognise the concern of Deputies and the public generally with safety issues. Safety is the cornerstone of the air traffic control system. To ensure that safety standards are maintained, the volume of air traffic in the system is regulated to match control resources. The House may be assured that safety is my first priority and, while there is no room for complacency, I am satisfied that the Irish ATC system operates to the required standards.
Do I take it from the Minister's reply that he agrees with the statement which suggests that there was no radar cover at Dublin Airport on a number of occasions recently? Will the Minister agree that that, irrespective of how long it takes to install new equipment, is not acceptable, particularly during the tourist season? If the Minister's views are to be believed that there will be a great increase in traffic to all airports, will he agree that something will have to be done to ensure the safety of air travellers, those who work in airports and on board aircraft, until the new equipment is installed?
I do not think that this is a matter of the new equipment. As I indicated, the radar at Dublin Airport is subject to this phenomenon called meteorological clutter. When the new equipment is put in place it will obviate that meteorological clutter because it is a new system which is independent of what happens in the atmosphere. Arrangements are now being made for the induction of a substantial number of extra staff.
With regard to the safety aspect — and I appreciate the Deputy's concern in that regard — I am absolutely confident that safety is being maintained as a priority.
On a point of order, the Minister, in his reply, has coupled a question in my name, No. 23 with No. 4, a priority question. Am I entitled to ask a supplementary on my question No. 23?
Regrettably not, Deputy. Supplementaries on priority questions are confined to those Deputies who have tabled priority questions.
I appreciate that, a Cheann Comhairle, but the Minister has coupled my question with No. 4.
Deputy, that is not an unusual procedure at all.
That happened to me last week.
With regard to the Minister's reply to the effect that things will be better in the future, am I to accept that on occasions there was no radar control at Dublin Airport? I am pressing the Minister to say what immediate action is being taken on the basis of the representation made by the air traffic controllers branch vis-à-vis the problem obtaining at the airport in order to ensure maximum safety. I assume the Minister is as concerned as any other Member of this House that this should not be happening, and should not occur throughout the summer months, if and when meteorological difficulties arise. Would he agree that something must be done rather than on occasions have a pre-1940 position obtaining at Dublin Airport when there is no radar control at all in existence?
I might make two points. As I said, what is being done at present — and I am glad to be able to say so — is that the induction of a substantial number of staff into the service is under way. Second, the system, as it exists now, entails radar beams being sent out and returned when they strike aircraft but also, as of now, certain things in the atmosphere return them which causes what I have mentioned already, that is, meteorological clutter. With the new system in place that will not happen — it is called secondary surveillance radar — when there will not be any problem whatsoever with regard to outside interference with the radar system.
May I ask one brief supplementary?
I would ask Deputy Kavanagh to please bear with me for a moment. The Chair has an obligation to dispose of all of the priority questions within the prescribed time laid down by Standing Orders, which is 15 minutes. I am seeking Deputies' indulgence in permitting the Chair to deal with the three remaining priority questions.
I do not often delay the House, a Cheann Comhairle.
I am sure the Deputy appreciates the time factor to which I have adverted. He may put a brief supplementary.
Would the Minister inform the House on how many occasions the radar system failed, and the duration, at Dublin Airport?
I am not saying there has been a breakdown of the radar system. What I am saying is that as of now atmospherics interfere with the present system. I should say that £30 million are being invested in the new system, which will be in place very shortly. In the meantime, safety is now, and will continue to be, a strong priority.