Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2010
225 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the discussion he has had with Irish airlines regarding the impact of the closure of air space caused by the volcanic ash cloud; if he has received requests for State aid as a result of the closure of air space; the details of the meeting he had with European Transport Ministers on 19 April 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16372/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department and the Irish Aviation Authority met representatives from the four main Irish air airlines on the morning of Wednesday 21 April to discuss the response to the recent severe disruption of air services. The cooperation of the airlines with the IAA and European regulatory authorities during the crisis was acknowledged. It was noted that the IAA and their UK counterparts had sanctioned the resumption of full services on a phased basis in all Irish and UK airspace to Europe, North America and the UK from 9pm the previous evening, Tuesday 20th April.
The airlines indicated that it would take a number of days before full services could resume. They indicated that the priority that day was the re-positioning of aircraft and crews but advised that passengers would be kept informed of revised flight arrangements through the normal information channels and that additional services would be made available on a number of routes in an effort to clear the backlog of disrupted passengers.
With regard to passenger rights, the Department reminded the airlines of their obligations under Regulation (EC) 261/2004. In was noted that the exemption provisions for "extraordinary circumstances" applies only to the compensation provisions of the Regulation. Airlines still have a duty to provide appropriate care and assistance for passengers, as specified in the Regulation.
I have not received any requests for State aid arising from the closure of airspace. EU Transport Ministers held a meeting by video/audio conference on Monday 19th April to discuss the airspace closure. On the basis of a recommendation agreed unanimously by the national authorities of the 38 Members of Eurocontrol, Ministers agreed to intensify European co-ordination and risk assessment of airspace management resulting in the introduction of new measures with effect from Tuesday 20th April based on the designation of zones based on ash concentration levels which would allow for the progressive and co-ordinated opening of European Airspace.
The Irish Aviation Authority, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority of the UK, sanctioned the resumption of full service on a phased basis in all Irish and UK airspace from 9 p.m. on Tuesday 20th April, following the EU Transport Ministers meeting and further assessment of the impacts, including discussions with aircraft engine manufacturers.
