Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2015
42. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1002 of 26 May 2015, and in view of his awareness of the University of Ghent report on atypical employment in aviation and its potential impact on safety as indicated in his reply, if his Department or the Irish Aviation Authority made any specific contact with the airlines, or undertook any specific action. [23463/15]
View answerMy response to the Deputy's earlier questions on this report pointed out that it was produced under the European Social Dialogue Committee by social policy experts. Aviation safety matters are most appropriately addressed within the EU's extensive aviation safety regime. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has competence for all areas of aviation safety in the EU and is best placed to give an expert view on any potential safety impacts of various working arrangements.
In September 2014 last year EASA announced a new organisation structure, which aims at preparing the Agency for the challenges of the coming years. In doing so EASA pointed out that the aviation sector is constantly evolving with innovative business models and new technologies in order to achieve greater efficiencies. Earlier this year EASA established a working group to examine Developing Business Models in Aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority participates in the working group and its work is ongoing.
