Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2005
151 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the position in respect of the EU proposal for a centralised blacklist of EU airlines; the way in which he will reconcile the differences of opinion expressed by the Irish Aviation Authority and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29059/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis proposed regulation is being pursued vigorously at the Transport Council working group in Brussels. It is recognised to be an important additional measure to safeguard passengers, bearing in mind the series of tragic aircraft accidents this year. My Department has been participating positively in this work.
The EU Presidency is also working closely with the European Parliament with a view to reaching agreement in the first reading at Parliament. This would prepare the ground for its formal adoption at the December Transport Council.
I presume the Deputy is referring to a recent newspaper article that stated the Irish Aviation Authority rejected the blacklist plan. I do not know what gave rise to that article. There are no differences between the authority and my Department which has been consulting closely with the authority in the course of preparing Ireland's position at the transport working group discussions in Brussels.
