Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It has been mentioned previously, but it is worth reminding ourselves, that the reports published by the air accident investigation unit contain the facts relating to the reported occurrences that have been determined. This information is published to inform the aviation industry and the public of the circumstances of these occurrences. The unit is clear that issues concerning liability are neither investigated nor described in association with its investigations, and matters relating to blame, liability, responsibility and damages are generally dealt with by the judicial authorities or insurance companies, for example.

This was a tragic accident and I express my condolences to the families of all the crew who died on that night. I pay particular tribute to Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, who lived on the Ennis Road in Limerick when she worked as a helicopter pilot in Shannon. She volunteered at Milford Care Centre in her spare time and she represented an ethos of serving her fellow citizens diligently and selflessly. We would do well to continue to remember her and the values she represented.

We should stick to the facts and learn from this tragedy. I will start with mapping and imagery. The Irish Air Line Pilots Association points out that the IAA is responsible for the provision of electronic terrain and obstacle data for use by GPS and flight management system suppliers. The report notes that some imagery and databases did not have Black Rock mapped. It was not in the enhanced ground proximity warning system, EGPWS, databases. EuroNav imagery did not extend as far as Black Rock and Ordnance Survey Ireland imagery did not show the lighthouse or terrain, but appeared to show open water. The report also notes that the extensive activity undertaken by the operator in respect of the testing of routes in the flight management system route guide was not formalised, standardised, controlled or periodic.

It seems to me that we urgently need to ensure the mapping data is accurate and that it is disseminated and integrated into the systems that are being used by aircraft. This is particularly relevant when it comes to the rapid deployment of onshore and offshore wind. The tip height of newer turbines is up to 200 m and we must make absolutely sure that these turbines are incorporated into the systems as soon as they are erected. It is not just the physical height of the wind turbines, it is also their effect on airflow in their vicinity and downstream effects on the aerodynamic stability of aircraft. We need to make sure we have an adequate regulatory regime to deal with this issue. This tragic incident is a reminder that we need to make sure our airspace and features on the ground and sea underneath are adequately mapped and assessed for safety.

The other issue I wish to raise is that of State oversight. We in this House must take partial responsibility for the legislative framework that governs the Coast Guard, the Irish Aviation Authority and search and rescue operations in Ireland, and the oversight of this framework. The report found there was considerable confusion. We must ensure clarity replaces that confusion. It may be that we need to amend legislation to remove ambiguities and ensure all agencies have utter clarity on their roles in the operation and oversight of search and rescue operations.

I have been impressed by many of the contributions tonight and I hope the families of those who died in this tragic accident hear how seriously this accident is being taken and that there is a real desire to make sure the factors that led to the accident do not happen again so that we can prevent another family suffering this unimaginable grief.

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