Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Air Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

135 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the role and responsibilities of the aviation regulator; the mechanism for ensuring the accountability of this office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16857/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

The Commission for Aviation Regulation was established on the 27 February 2001 under the Aviation Regulation Act 2001. That Act transferred a number of functions which were previously exercised by the Minister, as well as establishing broad principles to be applied in the area of economic regulation.

The principal function of the aviation regulator is to regulate airport charges and air traffic control charges at the three State airports. The regulator is also responsible for the approval of ground handlers at the airports, the licensing of Irish air carriers, the implementation of certain aspects of Community legislation in relation to the allocation of landing slots at Dublin Airport and the licensing of travel agents and tour operators in Ireland. The Act provides that the Commission for Aviation Regulation is independent in the exercise of its functions.

Section 27 of the Act provides that the commission shall, whenever requested, account for the performance of its functions to a joint committee of the Oireachtas, in this case the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport. The commission is also required to submit an annual report to me in relation to the performance of its functions in the previous year and its proposed work programme for the following year. The most recent such report for 2002 was lodged recently in the Oireachtas Library. In addition, the commission must submit its financial accounts to the Comptroller and Auditor General for audit prior to submission to me. The audited financial results for 2002 will also be lodged in the Oireachtas Library when available.

Prior to making a determination on the maximum level of airport charges or air traffic control charges, the commission is required under the 2001 Act to consult with relevant interested parties. There is also a mechanism for an appeal panel to be established to consider such parties' objections, if they are dissatisfied with the commission's determinations.

Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 81.

Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 80.

Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 92.

Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 116.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

140 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the total amount spent subsidising commercial internal flights for 2002; and the projected amount for 2003. [16960/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

Under the relevant EU legislation, there exists a framework for procuring air transport services based on defined public service obligations. Currently our public service obligation, PSO, regime enables regular air links to be operated between Dublin and the regional airports in Kerry, Galway, Sligo, Knock, Donegal and Derry. The total amount spent on PSO contracts with air carriers in 2002 was €18.5 million. The projected amount for 2003 is €19.9 million.

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 77.

Question No. 142 answered with Question No. 89.

Question No. 143 answered with Question No. 90.