I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 14 and 28 together. A detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mid-air collision between two training aircraft in the Cork area in February last is being carried out by accident inspectors from the air navigation services office in my Department.
All personnel involved in offering flying training are required to hold the appropriate licences and be rated as flight instructors on such licences. Flying schools are not licensed per se. However, where I, as Minister, am satisfied that a particular school has the highest standards of proficiency as regards resources and infrastructure then I can grant an official approval to that school. The flying school whose aircraft were involved in the accident is working towards obtaining official approval.
I can assure the Deputy and the House that the operations of flying schools, whether approved or otherwise, together with their staffs and pupils, are continuously and closely monitored by the technical staff of my Department. Particular attention is also paid to the need to ensure that training aircraft avoid flying over built-up areas as far as possible.
Should the investigations to which I have referred reveal the need for any changes or improvements in any procedures or practices in these schools, or in the general conduct of light aircraft training, then I can assure the House that the necessary action will be promptly taken.