Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2019
181. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to steps being taken by Ireland and its EU partners in terms of the tragic deaths of citizens in crashes involving an aircraft (details supplied) to ensure accountability by the owners and management of the company. [45660/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overriding concern of my Department and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), which has responsibility for aviation safety regulation, is to ensure that aviation safety is a priority. Concerns with regard to aviation safety, arising from the two tragic accidents involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines, has resulted in the worldwide grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It is of paramount importance that any and all aviation safety concerns are addressed, and time must be permitted for this very important work to be completed. This is a matter for the Aviation Safety Authorities worldwide, including the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the United States and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), of which Ireland is a Member.
My Department and the IAA are actively monitoring the ongoing work by Boeing, the FAA and EASA and the aircraft will only be returned to service when all safety concerns have been comprehensively addressed and resolved.
