Airlines Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018

Tuesday, 3 July 2018

Questions (454)

Alan Farrell

Question:

454. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on measures to ban the policies of airlines in which staff earn commission for the sale of alcohol on commercial flights; his further views on whether the incentivising of the sale of alcohol on such a basis could create safety concerns for passengers and staff on commercial flights; if he will engage with his counterparts at EU level to bring forward proposals to address the use of such practices by commercial airlines in European airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28771/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There are stringent EU rules and regulations governing aviation safety, which in Ireland are administered by the Irish Aviation Authority. These rules - which have only very recently been subject to a comprehensive review involving the EU Commission, Member States and the European Parliament - do not include restrictions on the sale of alcohol to passengers, and there are no current plans to do so.

Commercial airlines must apply for a licence for each aircraft to sell alcohol on-board. Such licences are issued by the Revenue Commissioners under the provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1943. It is a matter for commercial airlines to deal with any issues that arise on flights relating to the consumption of alcohol.

The remuneration packages of airline staff and the configuration of these packages is an employment matter, and not an aviation safety matter.