Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 6: To ask the Minister for Transport if he plans to reform the Commission for Aviation Regulation; the changes he is considering for the Commission for Aviation Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32802/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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EU legislation relating to air navigation services, known as the Single European Sky, SES, legislation, requires that there be functional separation of the activities of air navigation service provision and regulatory oversight of those services. This requirement for functional separation has been implemented by the Irish Aviation Authority.

However, in implementing SES legislation, most EU member states have provided for institutional separation of air traffic management service provision and regulatory functions. Ireland is currently one of only four member states not to effect full institutional separation.

My Department is reviewing whether changes are necessary in the Irish context. As part of the ongoing review, the possibility of incorporating the Commission for Aviation Regulation, CAR, into a new regulatory structure is under consideration. In addition, as the regulatory framework for all civil aviation in the EU develops, the role of the Commission for Aviation Regulation will be kept under ongoing review.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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This question was prompted by the fact that the chief executive of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, has said that the budget of CAR should be slashed and its staff numbers cut by half. Does the Minister agree with this view? Alternatively, is it the case that additional resources should be given to CAR? I understand that something like one half of its staff are busy with various lawsuits emanating, in particular, from Ryanair. How does the Minister view its current operational level?

Is the Minister concerned that recent statistics show that Irish airlines are the most complained about airlines in Europe, accounting for one quarter of all passenger complaints in the EU, with 70% of those, in effect, relating to Ryanair? Does the Minister welcome the fact that Cathal Guiomard, the Commissioner for Aviation Regulation, published an interesting advertisement in national newspapers today which has the heading "Air passengers have rights" and which shows the rights to which air passengers are entitled, such as sustenance and accommodation where there are overnight delays on flights? Does he welcome the fact that the commissioner has now issued 53 final warnings to carriers flying out of Irish airports to ensure that passengers receive their full rights?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I, of course, welcome any action taken by the regulator to ensure that airline customers get the kind of service they should receive. If I thought the regulator's office was overstaffed or overpaid, I would do something about it. I have no plans to do that. As I said in the body of the answer I gave, we are looking at whether we should continue with the current situation where safety and regulation are kept together. We are one of four countries where this pertains. Most other countries have gone for the full separation. If that arises, obviously, there might be some need for rearranging or reorganisation but that would be done in that kind of context. I am sufficiently satisfied that the commissioner needs the staff he has and that he is doing a good job.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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In respect of the budget, did the Minister put in any additional resources? My final point may touch on another question.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I would rather the Deputy did not make that point.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Did the Minister give any additional resources to CAR, taking into account inflation, in the budget?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I gave no resources other than resources for ELS. There have been discussions in recent years and the number of staff has gradually increased, as Mr. O'Leary has noticed. It is at about optimum level. Obviously, if more responsibilities were given to it, we would have to review that. If changes were made and some functions were taken away, one might give it other ones. I am satisfied that it has sufficient staff to look after the area.