Pilot Training Courses

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2016

Thursday, 20 October 2016

Questions (287)

Noel Grealish

Question:

287. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will conduct a review of the relevant rules here and discuss the concerns of a number of the professional bodies which, as stakeholders, have conveyed their concerns regarding the exploitation of many trainee pilots here to his Department on a number of occasions following the resolution of the European Parliament on social dumping in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31247/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I am aware of the European Parliament resolution referred to in the question and the Irish Airline Pilots Association wrote to me in July this year outlining a range of concerns.

In relation to training and licensing of aircrew the National Aviation Policy (NAP) for Ireland published in August 2015 sets out a number of actions designed to continue the development of training and education to support the future demands of aviation in Ireland. The policy position contained in the NAP is to support the development of pilot training with a primary emphasis on the delivery of safe and competent pilots consistent with European standards of technical competence and quality control.

My Department continues to work with the Irish Aviation Authority, to ensure developments and rulemaking at EU level provide a consistent and effective regulatory regime for aviation safety, including in relation to pilot training and licensing.