Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 April 2017
342. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Irish Aviation Authority has a role in ensuring that planes and helicopters flown by the Air Corps are fit to fly and that their pilots are not intoxicated; and if it has a role in suspending or revoking licences in the case of pilots found to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs before flying or while flying. [18474/17]
View answer343. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has communication with the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, in relation to an Air Corps pilot recently found during a random drugs test to have taken cocaine; and if he has had confirmation of the facts, if the IAA will investigate the matter. [18475/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for the regulation of civil aviation in Ireland under the provisions of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993. It does not have a role in the regulation of military aviation - including aircraft operated by the Irish Air Corps - or in the testing of Air Corps pilots, or in the suspension or revoking of licences of Air Corps pilots.
I have not been in communication with the IAA in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy.
