Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 March 2022
43. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if a recommendation (details supplied) has been implemented in full; the person or body that is providing the technical expertise to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13214/22]
View answerMy Department formally responded to the Chief Inspector of Air Accidents in respect of each safety recommendation addressed to me, in advance of the 90 day timeframe required under the relevant EU legislation. The EU legislation requires the Air Accident Investigation Unit to inform the Department within 60 days of receipt of those responses, whether or not it considers the replies adequate. That period has not yet expired.
My Department has contracted aviation expertise available to it and draws on advice when required. In addition, periodic review of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) by the Department is built into the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. Section 32 of the 1993 Act requires me to appoint an independent person or body to carry out an examination of the performance by the IAA of its functions in so far as they relate to the application and enforcement of technical and safety standards in relation to aircraft and air navigation. The examination is a safeguard to ensure that safety standards are upheld. The most recent section 32 examination was carried out in 2019.
