Departmental Policies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

Ceisteanna (70)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

70. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the reason the recording of licences issued to fly drones on a county by county basis was discontinued; if this method of recording will be restored; the number of staff attached to the licensing and the enforcement sections; the number of drone licence operators that have availed of the training for basic piloting of drones out of the total 2,500 licence holders; the way in which a member of the public can verify the credentials of a licence holder; the number of times the IAA has had to use its enforcement powers; the number of administrative fines that have been issued since 2020; the number of complaints received by the IAA in relation to a perceived breach of European regulations or Irish law; if he plans to review and strengthen the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32293/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I understand that the Irish Aviation Authority provided a comprehensive response to the Deputy on 25 April in relation to a previous PQ (Ref 19413/21 for answer 21 April 2021) dealing with the recording of licences to fly drones issued on a county basis, the number issued for the last four years, the enforcement of regulations and the number of breaches in the past four years.

The subsequent issues raised here by the Deputy have been referred to the IAA for a direct reply. If the reply is not received within the next 10 days please do not hesitate to contact my office.

In respect of strengthening the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 and to assist with further enforcement of breaches of aviation safety regulations, section 72 of the Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020, provides for enhanced enforcement powers by the IAA and the charging of fixed charges for offences. The Bill is scheduled for Dáil Committee Stage on 17 June 2021.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51