John Bruton
Question:128 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to review the structures of the Irish Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18318/02]
Written Answers. - Irish Aviation Authority.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the civil aviation safety regulator as well as the provider of air navigation services. This combined role, which has been in place since the establishment of the authority as a commercial State sponsored body in 1994 and which has operated satisfactorily to date, will be reviewed in the light of developing policy in this area in Europe. In particular, this role will be influenced by developments arising from the recent establishment of the European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, and also from developing proposals arising out of the proposed creation of a single European sky. My Department is pro-actively involved, in conjunction with the Irish Aviation Authority, in the development of such proposals at EU level and this will influence our position on the future structure of the IAA.