Vol. 507 No. 2
66 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason her Department is reluctant to agree and implement the SCARF standards agreed by all companies affected by the EU ground handling directive; her views on the setting of safety standards; her further views on whether the initiative of relevant companies deserves support and recognition; if this will be re-examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16706/99]
The Deputy is referring to the SCARF training programme which was started in 1992 as a European funded programme by a consortium of airlines, universities, airport authorities and others. It was introduced into Ireland by Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta in 1995. I understand that Aer Rianta intend to adopt the SCARF programme, or a similar level of training, as a minimum standard in their implementation of the Ground Handling Directive at Dublin Airport.
I very much welcome the SCARF programme because it is designed to improve ground handling work practices and to foster a professional commitment to safety among all those responsible for ground handling operations. There is always room for improvement in this area and the companies who developed this programme are to be congratulated for their initiative.
