Vol. 418 No. 2
59 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she will make a statement on the situation whereby a school (details supplied) operating from Cork Airport is unapproved by her Department; and if she has satisfied herself that all necessary standards and regulations are being adhered to by that school especially in view of the recent fatal accident involving two planes over west Cork.
I must emphasise that there is no question of a flying school being "unapproved". All personnel involved in the provision of flight training are required to have the appropriate licences and to be rated for flight instruction purposes. I can assure the Deputy that the personnel involved were licensed and rated as required.
It will be a matter for the accident investigation that is currently proceeding to determine if the standards and regulations set by my Department have been adhered to. In the light of that investigation it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
60 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she has satisfied herself as to the safety regulations and controls currently in place in relation to light aircraft flights in this country in view of the number of serious accidents and fatalities involving such aircraft; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am satisfied that light aircraft activities in Ireland are properly regulated and controlled in accordance with internationally accepted standards and procedures. Such activities are kept under constant review and if, as a result of recent events, it is established that certain procedures require changes then I will examine the situation with a view to improving the standard of safety, which is normal practice in any event.
