I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 50 together.
The Irish Aviation Authority, under the aegis of the Department of Transport, is responsible for the safety regulation of Irish airspace. An airspace change proposal submitted to the Irish Aviation Authority by Weston Airport Limited in 2005 includes the use of instrument navigation aids to assist the arrival and departure of aircraft in accordance with instrument flight rules. Use of those landing aids would result in flight paths which would penetrate military airspace. The Irish Aviation Authority has convened a group, in which my Department and the Air Corps are represented, to examine the implications of the airspace change proposal. Discussions are ongoing.
My principal concern regarding Weston Aerodrome is the maintenance of safe and functional airspace in which military flight training and air operations can continue on a 24-hour basis. Changes in operations at Weston will require a risk assessment by the Air Corps to ensure that current levels of safety for military air operations are maintained or improved.