Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That depends on circumstances and there are variations from case to case. In this case it was not the IAA but rather the Spanish authorities that were responsible.

The Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for regulating Aer Lingus and Ryanair. There are some exceptions, however, because IASA and the ICAO have a role also. The entire sector is governed by international conventions and European laws.

Norwegian has already been granted a licence to operate from Ireland. It intends to establish a real operation in Swords, a town with which the Deputy is familiar. It is to be a very big investment. The company intends to base its transatlantic services in Ireland and they will be subject to the exact same safety regulations as Aer Lingus and Ryanair. The Deputy will agree that both Aer Lingus and Ryanair have excellent safety records that are among the best in the world. In addition, Norwegian will be bound by all the labour regulations that apply in all parts of the European Union.

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