Vol. 513 No. 1
194 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself in relation to the implementation of the EU Council Directive 96/67/EC on ground handling at airports that minimum standards are being met by all suppliers of ground handling services; if her Department has put these requirements in place for a third party ground handling supplier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1061/00]
195 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will draw up regulations to ensure standards for third party handlers under the EU Council Directive 1996/97 EC on ground handling. [1062/00]
200 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the Government's position in relation to talks with ICTU on the EU Directive 96/67/EC on ground handling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1421/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 195 and 200 together.
I am aware of concerns regarding the need to ensure minimum standards in respect of groundhandling services at airports. I have received considerable correspondence on the subject, as have other Ministers and Deputies.
Regulations to implement the groundhandling directive were signed by me on 16 December 1998. I and officials of my Department have had several meetings with ICTU prior to and since implementation of the directive.
The directive does not set out any minimum standards with regard to groundhandling services. When airlines use sub contractors to provide ground handling services, it is the airlines' responsibility in the first instance to satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the standards, procedures, equipment and training of the service provider. In Ireland, the Irish Aviation Authority is the regulatory body responsible for the safety and technical aspects of civil aviation and they monitor the activities of airlines in this regard.
