Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 5

Written Answers. - Light Aircraft Insurance Cover.

Tomás MacGiolla

Question:

20 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will consider introducing legislation requiring insurance cover for light aircraft, in view of the possible dangers to third parties from accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. S. Brennan)

Section 17 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1988 provides that I can impose an obligation on owners or operators of aircraft to insure against, or otherwise make financial provision to meet, liability arising in relation to loss or damage resulting from the operation of their aircraft.

The question of making an order under section 17 of the 1988 Act has been under examination in my Department and that examination is continuing. Having regard to the fact, however, that in most other European states there is no statutory requirement on the owners or operators of private aircraft to insure against liability for such loss or damage, I have arranged as part of the examination being carried out by my Department, that the representatives of the aviation industry and the private aircraft owners will be consulted in this matter through the Air Navigation Services Office Advisory Council.