Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 February 2017
711. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of days during 2016 and to date in 2017 in which it was necessary to bring in a civilian supervisor or overseer of air traffic control at Baldonnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5948/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra712. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of days, being midnight to midnight, or parts thereof, during 2016 and to date in 2017 in which it was not or would not have been possible for aircraft to land at Baldonnel due to insufficient air traffic control cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5949/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra713. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of days, being midnight to midnight, or parts thereof, during 2016 and to date in 2017 in which it was necessary to request flights to land at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5950/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra714. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if it was not possible for the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to use Baldonnel on her recent visit in view of the fact there could be no guarantee of sufficient air traffic control at Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5951/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 711 to 714, inclusive, together.
The Air Corps is responsible for the provision of air navigation services in areas of Irish airspace designated for use by the Defence Forces including the management of Air Traffic at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
As the Deputy will appreciate, for operational & security reasons, it would not be appropriate to disclose precise details relating to operational matters or capabilities.
What I can advise the Deputy is that during 2016 and to date in 2017 it has not been necessary to request Air Corps flights to land at Dublin Airport. I am further advised that there has been no civilian supervisor brought into Baldonnel in relation to air traffic control.
I can confirm to the Deputy that there are shortages of air traffic control personnel and a plan is in place to bring Baldonnel air traffic control up to full operational capacity.
With regard to the recent visit referred to by the Deputy, I am advised that it is a matter for foreign governments to decide what airports are used for their visits to Ireland.
