Vol. 510 No. 1
39 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason for the delay in imposing safety standards which would have to be met by all ground handling suppliers operating in airports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21791/99]
When airlines use sub contractors to provide ground handling services, it is the airlines' responsibility in the first instance to satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the standards, procedures, equipment and training of the service provider. In Ireland, the Irish Aviation Authority is the regulatory body responsible for the safety and technical aspects of civil aviation and it monitors the activities of airlines in this regard.
Where the provision of ground handling services does not impinge on aircraft safety, such as catering supplies or aircraft cabin cleaning services, it is the responsibility of the existing agencies such as the regional health board's environmental health service for food safety, the Health and Safety Authority for safe work practices and the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce the legal standards in the same manner as for any other industrial activity or service in Ireland.
The general standards which airport authorities require ground handling companies to meet will be in addition to the regulatory requirements set out above.
