Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. McGrail before the committee. He seems to have more than adequate experience of financial and corporate governance for the role and says he is passionate about and has a continuing interest in the aviation sector. Does he have any relevant experience in aviation? He is to be chairman of a board. How many vacancies are there on the board?

Does the board contain the relevant expertise in corporate governance, finance and accountancy? Health and safety and aviation expertise are also very relevant to this board. As the incoming chair of the board, does Mr. McGrail believe that all expertise requirements are being met?

One question concerned the separation of the functions of the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA. Mr. McGrail replied to my colleague on the challenge this poses. This issue will require legislation. Has there been any indication in Mr. McGrail's engagement with the Department of what stage this legislation is at or when we can expect it to come before the Oireachtas? I understand that construction of the visual control tower needed for the second runway at Dublin Airport has commenced. When does Mr. McGrail envisage its completion? We are still awaiting legislation on the appointment of the independent competent noise regulator.

Mr. McGrail stated that Dublin Airport is operating at capacity. How will we meet the demands on Dublin Airport over the next three years and more? Given the time it will take to get legislation through and for the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, to appeal the noise conditions, we are looking at a window of two to three years. How can the IAA, working with the DAA, ensure that we can manage the increase in passenger numbers that is expected and likely over the coming years?

Mr. McGrail referred to the ongoing review concerning the third reference period, RP3, and revenue generation. He says there is no room for improvement because the IAA is the best in the class. I suppose it is always welcome to be the best in the class. He calls on the Government to support the IAA in regard to European policy. Will that come down to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, engaging with his ministerial counterparts at the Council of Ministers? Given that the Minister is certainly not the best in the class for attendance at Council meetings or engagement with his counterparts, is Mr. McGrail confident that the Government will be able to support the IAA in pursuing its objectives?

Mr. McGrail alluded to search and rescue services in reply to the previous speaker and he is right. The report identified a lack of clarity around who has the designated responsibility for search and rescue. I am conscious that the report did not concern a recent awful tragedy and loss of life. We remember the families who were bereaved by that awful loss of life this morning. We need to ensure that there is clear demarcation in the future. From reading the report, my understanding is that it is the responsibility of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to ensure that the necessary legislation is put in place to remove any ambiguity and uncertainty. The Minister talks about making sure the recommendations of the report are implemented as soon as possible. I am glad that is a priority for the IAA, but it is also a priority for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. That Department needs to be forthcoming on when it will publish the necessary legislation. Has it given any indication on when that legislation will be published for this committee to scrutinise and implement?

Brexit is the key issue in aviation. We are all well aware that we are currently working under the open skies policy which has enabled significant growth in the aviation sector. This is contributing to economic growth and the growth in tourism in recent years. As Mr. McGrail noted, Brexit is worrying. The British papers this week demonstrated the challenges we will face if the UK leaves the open skies arrangement. I understand that earlier this year project 2050 referred to the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, freedoms, specifically the third and fourth freedoms which would enable freedom of movement and ensure connectivity between the UK and the EU 27. To Mr. McGrail's knowledge, how near are we to ensuring that those freedoms will be implemented in order that we retain connectivity post Brexit?

I wish to raise the issue of safety standards, a matter of which I was not overly aware. A large proportion of critical parts of aircraft are sourced from the UK. Components of key importance to keeping planes in the sky can be used until 29 March. If there is no agreement on safety recognition and quality, those components will no longer be useable. Is Mr. McGrail aware of intensive ongoing negotiations to ensure that recognition of safety and quality control standards is dealt with before Brexit?