Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2010
352 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); his views on this submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12194/10]
View answer357 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has received correspondence from the National Microlight Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12338/10]
View answer361 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to the issues submitted to him by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12496/10]
View answer362 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12519/10]
View answer364 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport his views on correspondence from an association (details supplied) regarding the regulatory and operational framework of microlight operations here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12641/10]
View answer365 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport his views on concerns of the relationship between an organisation (details supplied) and the Irish Aviation Authority particularly the personnel licensing department of the authority which seems unwilling to meet and deal with concerns of this organisation which feels it has a justified grievance vis-à-vis regulations in the rest of Europe; if he will examine this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12677/10]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 352, 357, 361, 362, 364 and 365 together.
I am aware of the correspondence that the Deputies refer to. Statutory responsibility for the regulation of safety standards of civil aviation in the State has been vested in the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) under the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993. I have no function in this regard.
I understand from the IAA that it issued a consultation document on the current requirements for microlight operations in the State on 5th February. The consultation period has recently ended and I understand that the IAA has undertaken to publish the outcome of this review in mid-April. Prior to this recent consultation process, I understand from the IAA that its officers had met representatives of the National Microlight Association of Ireland on seven occasions between January 2009 and 2010. I trust that the comprehensive review of the requirements for microlight operations that is currently underway will afford all parties with an interest in this matter to make their views known and that all submissions will be given due consideration by the IAA in completing its review.
