Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the recent events around the pilot training centre in Waterford, many members have met with the families involved who have been deeply affected. It is a unique situation. I believe, without setting a precedent, the IAA should find a way of assisting those involved who find themselves in exceptionally difficult circumstances. People remortgaged their homes or borrowed from family members to do this particular training course. I would hope there is a way of recompensing the individuals affected without setting a precedent.

Earlier Mr. Brennan spoke of the role of the IAA in the financial checks, licence approval and quality assurance of flight training. Should the authority have a stronger role in this regard? Should we, as legislators, give the authority more powers to ensure the events with the Waterford training centre do not happen again? I accept the accounts of the company involved were audited and Enterprise Ireland, a significant shareholder, should have had greater oversight. Perhaps introducing a bond for flight training companies is the solution. Short of all this, should the authority have a greater role in examining the commercial viability of training centres?

I am not making any allegations under parliamentary privilege but it has been suggested that one of the directors of the flight training centre in Waterford, Mr. O'Byrne White, also sat on the board of the IAA. Can Mr. Brennan clarify this and if there are any corporate governance concerns that may arise as a result?