Vol. 465 No. 1
185 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether employment practices within the Irish aviation industry are discriminating against qualified Irish nationals (details supplied) who have undergone expensive training and who are unable to obtain licence validation in other EU countries; and his views in respect of this issue. [9142/96]
The position regarding the employment difficulties being encountered by qualified Irish pilots has recently been brought to my attention. Last week officials from my Department met with representatives from the Irish Air Line Pilots Association to discuss the situation and consequent on that meeting the question of training Irish pilots to the type rating level required has been raised with the air line companies concerned. An early response is anticipated in view of the impending peak season for the travel trade. The question of licence validation in other EU countries is a matter for the relevant aviation authorities in each country concerned.
