asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he considers it satisfactory, particularly from the point of view of encouraging tourism, that private aircraft flights, other than solo flights, to, from or within the territory of Ireland are banned and can operate only as "Air Services" requiring Governmental authorisation; if similar restrictions apply in any other country which has ratified the Chicago Convention on Civil Aviation; and if there are any proposals to deal with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Private Aircraft Flights Ban.
20.
(Dublin South-Central): The Air Navigation and Transport (No. 2) Act, 1975, had the effect of bringing all flights involving the carriage of passengers, cargo or mail, whether for remuneration or not, within the scope of the authorisation provisions of the legislation governing the operation of air services.
The Air Services Authorisation (Amendment) Order, 1976 (S.I. No. 201 of 1976) granted a general statutory authorisation for air services consisting of non-scheduled flights to, from or within the territory of Ireland by aircraft not exceeding 30,000 lbs. or 13,620 kgs. maximum authorised weight and not operated for the carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for reward. Individual authorisations are not, therefore, required for such flights.
I am satisfied that the present position adequately meets the needs of general aviation and does not affect tourism.
Does the Minister tell the House that the type of restriction in this country applies in any other western democracy which is a signatory to the Chicago Convention on Civil Aviation?
(Dublin South-Central): We have not up-to-date knowledge of this aspect which the Deputy is speaking about, but it is generally held that each country has its own type of regulations regarding this matter.
Does the Minister not accept that the situation here is governed by an Act which provides that flights other than solo flights are classified as air services in the same category as commercial flights? I mentioned this in my question, not being fully sure of the answer. I think the answer is that this is not the situation in any other western democracy. Has the Minister any information on this?
(Dublin South-Central): I have not the information that the Deputy requests, but I am informed that the legislation which was enacted at that time is not causing any inconvenience. There is a general authorisation here for the type of cargo which I mentioned and it does not inhibit the use of them in any way.
Is the Minister aware that, in the light of the fact that there is not freedom in this area and that the position has to be covered by way of an authorisation, any visitor——
This is argument. I am calling Question No. 21.
It is not argument; I am raising a point here. First of all, he would have to ensure that the authorisation is in effect; secondly, that his aircraft is crewed, equipped and maintained to Irish standards relative to air services; and, thirdly, that the insurance aspect would conform to the Irish situation in regard to the air services. Would the Minister not consider that this type of confusion will not be of assistance to our tourist industry?
(Dublin South-Central): Surely the Deputy will agree that some type of regulations should exist in regard to these aircraft. Once you get an authorisation here it does not mean that you must get an authorisation for each individual flight. You get it once and that is it. The Deputy will agree that we require some type of jurisdiction over them.
Yes, relative to private flights only in that category.
(Dublin South-Central): The Deputy is aware of the reason that the legislation had to come out in 1976?
I am aware of the reason. It is not the perfect answer to the problem.
(Dublin South-Central): It was the answer at that time, and exemptions were given for the type of aircraft about which the Deputy is speaking now.
It is using a mallet to kill a fly.
Are there any proposals for the European Community to regulate this on a Community-wide basis in view of the concern in the Treaty of Rome for the free movement of persons?
(Dublin South-Central): I have no information about it.
Has the Minister any information that the EEC are in any sense concerned in this matter?
(Dublin South-Central): No.