John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee to speak on this issue. I concur with the Chairman's opening remarks regarding the important function carried out by the Irish Aviation Authority. I want to follow on from the Chairman's question on the practical implications. Mr. Gallagher has explained why it is necessary, but what are the practical implications of what this will mean with regard to increased fees? Will the airlines or the consumers pay? What will this mean for the people looking in today, who will want to know what implications it will have for the cost of their flights?

I fully understand the point made that the witnesses cannot answer on certain policy issues. I raised with the Minister the issue of maps and charts used in the aviation industry, and he told me the authority had advised him there is no reason whatsoever for the Irish aviation community or emergency services to have any concerns about the aeronautical maps or charts. I watched the "Prime Time" programme a few weeks ago on which these issues were raised. They seemed to be from an amateur and were with regard to mountains or obstacles not being noted on the maps and the height of certain obstacles being incorrect on the maps. What implications does this have? Is it an issue? I would like the witnesses' comments on this.