Vol. 555 No. 3
87 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the current procedures involved in inquiring into an air incident by the Aviation Authority; if he has satisfied himself with these procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18320/02]
The Irish Aviation Authority inquires into air incidents of a routine nature and I am satisfied with the procedures by which these inquiries are carried out. The Deputy should also be aware that the investigation of serious incidents and accidents is the responsibility of the air accident investigation unit of my Department and is not a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority. Under EU law member states must ensure that technical investigations are conducted or supervised by a permanent civil aviation body or entity and the body concerned must be functionally independent of the national aviation authorities responsible for airworthiness, certification, flight operation, maintenance, licensing, air traffic control or airport operation. At an international level, Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation lays down the international standards and recommended practices relating to aircraft accident and incident investigation. In accordance with these requirements the notification of and conduct of investigations into accidents and serious incidents is governed by the Air Navigation (Notification and Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 205 of 1997). I am also satisfied with the procedures and their implementation by the air accident investigation unit.
Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 80.
Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 73.
