Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021
88. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he has received lobbying from air traffic controller representative groups requesting his intervention and calling for an external investigation of the governance and management structures of the Irish Aviation Authority; the response taken to date by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50178/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the status of the appointment of an external mediator in the Irish Airport Authority as opposed to relying on the internal dispute resolution mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50180/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
I can confirm that I have received representations from a significant number of individual air traffic controllers concerning workplace issues within the Irish Aviation Authority.
My Department has sought and received briefing on the issues raised from the IAA Executive and the independent Aviation Regulator who is charged with the safety oversight of civil aviation in Ireland.
The Regulator has confirmed, that in line with EU Regulation (EU) 2017/373 setting out the common requirements for safety management systems for air navigation service providers throughout Europe and for the oversight by Aviation Regulators of the implementation of such systems, that the required air traffic control safety management systems are in place in the IAA and that they are functioning as appropriate.
In respect to the call for an external mediator to intervene in workplace issues within the IAA, it is commonly accepted practice within the commercial semi-State sector that the resolution of any such issues falls in the first instance to be addressed by the Board and Executive of the body concerned.
As with issues of this kind, it is in the best interests of all parties involved to use established dispute resolution processes, which I understand in the IAA's case includes the longstanding Internal Dispute Resolution Board mechanism which was established with the agreement of all unions within the IAA. I understand that the IAA and unions are open to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the concerns raised in recent weeks. I would therefore urge all parties to continue to maintain open and constructive lines of communication to ensure that a satisfactory resolution can be found.
