Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - Air Incidents.

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

172 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will make a statement with regard to circumstances in which a jet aircraft operated by a company (details supplied) and carrying Irish holiday-makers, had to make an emergency landing in the Canary Islands, Spain, on the night of 30-31 July 2000 and the subsequent complaints about the treatment of the passengers; and if she will make a general statement on Government policy concerning the treatment of air passengers who have experienced an emergency or other frightening incident while passengers aboard an aircraft. [27235/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

The flight referred to by the Deputy was operated by a carrier, regulated by the Spanish authorities, for which the Irish Aviation Authority does not have responsibility. I should emphasise that Spain complies fully with international safety standards in relation to aircraft and airline company operations. From the inquiries I have made the incident appears to have involved an engine failure and proper emergency procedures were followed by the crew. While I sympathise with the experience that passengers may undergo in an emergency, that is primarily a matter for the air carriers and authorities of the airports to which they operate.

More generally, I would not hesitate to seek to have an accredited representative of the Irish air accident investigation unit become involved in any accident or incident investigation being conducted by the authorities of another state, if the circumstances so warranted. I am advised that such circumstances did not arise in this particular case.