Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)

I have a second point. If this type of insurance existed at the time of the Air India disaster off the south-west coast, who would have responsibility for the large insurance bill rising from that incident? I do not wish to anticipate anything but international terrorism has been mentioned. If there were to be a tragic incident between here and the United States through a bombing or mishap, where would Ireland's jurisdiction start and finish? What would be the State's responsibility if something such as this happened within the Irish air navigation system?

These are some of the issues that must be discussed and dealt with, not at a national but at international level, especially in the aviation business. I strongly recommend that the Department examines funding in the maritime area in this regard to determine how the matter is being addressed there, as it has been dealt with by the International Maritime Organisation for many decades. I am sure the Department has already examined the issue. An international response would minimise the €9 billion burden as we could receive a claim of almost that amount after one incident alone.

Does this legislation mean in effect that some of the private jets owned by people in Ireland would be covered by insurance provided by the taxpayer? From reading the Bill, I am not sure, as I only glanced through it quickly. I do not want to name any particular individuals and draw the Cathaoirleach's rebuke but I could name quite a few wealthy business people who own private jets. From my interpretation of the legislation, would the taxpayers pick up the bill for these indemnities?