Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

The Minister is very much aware of the financial input that each of these trainees and their families and parents have given, and the Deputy mentioned a significant amount of money. It is a major commitment from any individual to put into a person's education. It is an investment and I have no doubt that when these people paid this money, they never thought the problem we are facing would come about.

The Minister and the IAA are doing everything possible to find a solution to this problem. The Deputy understands the issue is independent of the actions of the Government and the IAA but both the Minister and the IAA have some role to play. We must nevertheless respect the independence of the company involved. On 26 June the IAA was notified that the Florida Institute of Technology was ceasing flight training activities for the PTCW due to commercial disputes, and the IAA immediately sent a senior inspector to Florida to establish the ongoing training position for the students involved. The IAA is committed to re-engaging with the company involved when the restructuring is complete.

The Minister is in close contact with the IAA to see if anything can be done to enable the students to complete training. I have outlined the Minister's views on alternative providers. If there was an opportunity to go to an alternative provider that is recognised by the IAA, many students would take it up. The Minister is very much aware of the concerns of the students as outlined by the Deputy, and I will bring any questions posed by the Deputy to the Minister's attention. I apologise again on behalf of the Minister for his absence.

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