Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Aviation Regulations.

Richard Bruton

Question:

406 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the Irish Airline Pilots Association regarding the proposed rest periods between flight duties which are under consider ation in the context of amendments to a Council regulation on the harmonisation of technical requirements in the field of civil aviation; and the steps he plans to take to deal with the concern that the new regulations could lead to an indefinite roster of consecutive nights and early starts with fatiguing effects on pilots. [22928/03]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

421 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the views of the European Committee for Aircrew Scheduling and Safety; and if he will reconsider the proposal to be put before the EU Council of Transport Ministers in view of same. [23276/03]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

422 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider and adopt the latest scientific and medical evidence available in proposed legislation affecting flight and duty time limitations. [23277/03]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

430 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department has taken or will be able to take in seeking an amendment to the proposed EU legislation, PE 315.705-A5-0263/2002, amending Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3922/91 to ensure that proposed legislation affecting flight and duty time limitations will consider and adopt the latest scientific and medical evidence available to his office; his views on the fact that the proposed legislation will allow a pilot's rest period between flights to be reduced below ten hours; his further views on the fact that it will be no limitation on the number and length of consecutive nights and early starts for pilots and there will be no consideration of the issue of time zone transitions and the subsequent fatiguing effects on a pilot; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the European Committee for Aircrew Scheduling and Safety has expressed strong reservations regarding the proposed legislation in this regard; the timetable for the approval of the report; and the amendment procedure which exists for individual states in this regard. [23395/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Dr. McDaid)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 406, 421, 422 and 430 together.

As I have stated in a previous reply, I am aware of the concerns of the Irish Airline Pilots Association and the European Cockpit Association following a meeting held with IALPA on 12 February 2003. As I previously stated in replies on the same subject on 7, 8 and 9 October 2003, the day-to-day oversight of aviation safety falls within the responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority. The IAA is examining the proposals and will give its view on the completion of its analysis.

I reiterate that, in so far as this proposal may lead to legislative changes, I can assure the Deputies that I always give the highest priority to safety matters.