Mr. Fintan Towey:

There are a range of challenges that have to be overcome in the sense that the IAA is a single body with 700 employees and assets of more than €200 million. The organisation has to be divided into two parts so that they can become independent bodies and so that the safety regulation part will also prepare for the absorption of the Commission for Aviation Regulation.

Several issues need to be addressed. A new head of the new regulatory body has been recruited through an open process and is working with the Irish Aviation Authority at present. There is a series of issues regarding how to reorganise buildings, the internal systems and the corporate services supports that are provided, such as HR, finance, etc., and how to divide the assets of the company and so on. All that work is being undertaken now and is being progressed by both the new chief regulator designate and the chief executive officer of the Irish Aviation Authority who will head up the new air navigation service body.