John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank for Mr. McGrail for this thorough presentation. He seems to be eminently qualified for the task he has been asked to take up. I realise he does not yet have his feet under the table, but there a few topics on which I would like him to expand.

Mr. McGrail mentioned the phenomenal growth of Dublin Airport, with record numbers of 30 million passengers last year. Connectivity and tourism are hugely important and the figures have been very good. There is a suggestion Dublin Airport is becoming more of a hub, as projected and expected, but is there a need for an analysis of the number of passengers passing through it who are not coming into the country but just passing through the hub? Is this responsible for the huge growth in numbers, rather than boosts to the domestic economy? Mr. McGrail might expand on that suggestion.

There are huge concerns about the implications of Brexit. Mr. McGrail mentioned the negative disruption for the aviation sector and the travelling public a hard Brexit would bring. What are the practical, short-term implications if there is no deal? Will the open skies policy come to an abrupt end? Mr. McGrail might also expand on that issue.

Mr. McGrail referred to reform of aviation regulation in Ireland and the separation of commercial air traffic management from the safety regulatory functions and the challenges that would bring. He might expand on that point.

Mr. McGrail also mentioned the search and rescue service report published by the Minister last week. On a brief reading, it is suggesting the Irish Aviation Authority take control of all safety decisions in the area of search and rescue. Up until now, I understand the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Irish Coast Guard and other statutory bodies have been involved. Will Mr. McGrail expand on the issue? I note that the Minister wants the report to be implemented in full. What challenges does this present? Does the IAA have the resources to take on that function?