Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I answered a number of these questions earlier but the Department received assurances from the IAA when previous disruptions took place that the matter had been dealt with and resolved. I understand the authority is not in a position to say whether the problem detected yesterday was in any way related to the previous difficulties. That is why I have asked for a full report on this incident and on the system generally.

I cannot answer whether the software has been corrupted or whether there is a glitch in the system. I must await the report to answer those questions. It has been indicated that the difficulty does not relate to somebody hacking into the system but I did not ask that question. I asked for a report on exactly what were, and are, the difficulties.

The Deputy asked about the cost of the system. My understanding is the system is in place for five years and it cost €115 million. As he said, it is one of the most sophisticated and state-of-the-art systems. It is unusual to install a back-up system but I understand the cost would be at least the same as the current system updated to present day values. It would, therefore, cost a minimum of €115 million to install such a system, which, for example, would not have been used over the past five years. The legitimate question arises as to whether that needs to change and whether the IAA needs to consider this.

I do not wish to be alarmist but anything that affects the air traffic control system whether it is the software or the individuals operating it — we had problems with work to rules a number of months ago — may cause danger to passengers. That is why, despite the inconvenience correctly highlighted by the Deputy, the IAA believes it must make sure everything is right before it will allow the system to operate at full capacity. The Deputy is also correct that the system is operating at approximately 70% capacity. Staff are still testing the system. I asked the authority for a more precise timeline than 24 to 48 hours and it said it does not know what will happen. The system is being tested and everything is working at 70% capacity. Everything seems to have been ironed out and there have been no problems or difficulties. The authority will gradually increase capacity and if it can achieve 100% capacity, it will do so. However, if something happens at 85% or 90% capacity, the authority will be back to the drawing board. That is why the timescale is as outlined.

I do not have an answer to the Deputy's other technical question on overflights. My understanding is that, where possible, in a scenario such as this, overflights are diverted out of Irish airspace. Those that are absolutely necessary will be permitted into our airspace but there is no danger to aeroplanes or passengers. Nothing will be done that could cause danger to passengers on any airline. That is the primary concern of the IAA.

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