asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the grounds on which he is proposing to change Statutory Instrument 165 of 1986 as it affects aircraft safety; and if he will make a statement on the request by the Organisation of Licensed Aircraft Engineers for further time to assess the full implications of these changes for safety.
Written Answers. - Aircraft Safety.
238.
The proposed amendment to the Air Navigation (Personnel Licensing) Order, 1966 (No. 165 of 1966) will facilitate the achievement of approved status by aircraft maintenance organisations. Approved organisations have the responsibility for ensuring that the maintenance of their aircraft is in accordance with the standards prescribed under the Acts, by my Department.
Concurrent with the new arrangements, existing aircraft maintenance engineer's licences will continue to be renewed. New applicants for such licences will be examined by officials of my Department and, if successful in the examination, will be issued with a licence endorsed with a rating showing the particular class or classes of aircraft on which they are licensed to work.
The proposal to facilitate the achievement of approved status by aircraft maintenance organisations is in line with established international practice and follows on recommendations made by the consultants, Price Waterhouse, who reviewed the Air Navigation Services Office of my Department in 1986.
I should emphasise that there is no question of any diminution in safety standards as a result of these proposals.