Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2017
60. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 18 October 2017 and the response of the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, to same, his views on the findings of a report (details supplied) that there are widespread and negative perceptions of airline safety culture among pilots working at airlines where atypical employment is common; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49338/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra192. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review or if he has reviewed the workplace health and safety implications of atypical employment practices in the aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43131/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 192 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the referenced Report examines the perceptions across Europe with regard to aviation safety. It is not a finding on actual safety performance. The Report also states clearly that European aviation remains an ultra-safe industry with a highly impressive safety record.
In Ireland, the IAA is responsible for the safety oversight of the civil aviation industry. The Authority has been found to be amongst the very best aviation regulatory bodies in the world, and it ensures that all Irish registered airlines comply fully with all safety regulations to the highest international safety standards. This includes international standards and requirements relevant to safety culture generally, including an airline's safety management and occurrence reporting systems, regardless of the type of business model or employment model operated within that company.
As explained in the response to Parliamentary Question 180 of 18 October 2017, there is no statistically based data within Europe to suggest that there is any correlation between business models and safety in aviation.
With regard to the Deputy's question concerning workplace health and safety implications of atypical employment models, I must advise that the question is outside the scope of my remit as it relates to workplace health and safety legislation. Airline companies have the same obligations under national and EU workplace health and safety laws as all other companies across every other industry. They are also bound by the same suite of employment laws. As I have explained in the House before, there are legally binding limitations on flight hours allowable for pilots and air crew, which are set under EU law and with which the IAA ensures Irish registered airlines comply.
