Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Regulation 2407/92 concerns requirements for the granting and maintenance of operating licences by member states in regard to air carriers established in the Community. It does not concern other aviation activities, such as the operation of airports or the provision of services at airports. Regulation 785/2004 establishes minimum third party and passenger insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators.

Both regulations together do not encompass all the potential aviation activities that may need cover for Irish civil aviation to continue functioning, such as the operation of airports, service provision at airports and the provision of aircraft hull insurance for air carriers or aircraft operators. This amendment would mean that airports, for example, could not be indemnified should the need arise, which is now a major issue. It would not be appropriate to place this kind of limit on the type of activity that can be covered by an indemnity. It will be a matter for the Government, in the first instance, and the Minister for Transport, with the agreement of the Minister for Finance, to determine what undertakings and activities should be covered by indemnities to ensure Irish aviation continues to function. On that basis, while I understand the purpose of the amendment, I cannot accept it.

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