Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer again to something that is central and key to this. In so far as issues could arise with regard to systems within the Air Corps, the following of protocols and so on, this accident was the tragic consequence of one thing only. There was no aircraft failure. It was the tragic consequence of an unfortunate judgment made by the instructor. According to the report, Cadet Jevens expressed his reservations about the aircraft continuing along the route the instructor proposed based on the recordings from the aircraft. That is my recollection, although it is some time since I read the report. The instructor made a decision and we had this dreadful tragedy, which has been explored on three different occasions.

I will meet the family. I do not want to go into detail on other matters. We will have whatever discussion we can that is of assistance to them but there are issues in respect of which the family require help and assistance. That is available to them through the Air Corps or otherwise and I very much hope they will avail of it because I understand the difficulties in coming to terms with the dreadful event that occurred.

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