Mary Henry (Independent)

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Callely, and the Bill to the House. However, an issue I wish to raise is not covered in the Bill and I do not know if it can be included in its provisions. I have had complaints from individuals, which is the reason all politicians must act, about the use of private helicopters in suburban areas. There seems to be little in the way of legislation to control their use. The statutory instrument covering their use is Irish Aviation Authority (Aerodromes And Visual Ground Aids) Order 2000. On places of take-off and landing of aircraft, section 5(1)(d) states "in the case of a rotorcraft or balloon, not being used for public transport, any place where the aircraft may take-off or land without undue hazard to persons or property and in respect of which the owner or occupier shall have given permission;".

When this order was introduced, there were only about a dozen private helicopters but now there are over 200. A few years ago, private helicopters were used by a few rich people and were not a public nuisance or hazard. Now, it is much more of a problem. Will the Minister of State address this matter in his reply? I realise it is only loosely connected with the Bill but it is an area that will become increasingly important. More and more people believe that a private helicopter is one of the most suitable methods of transport around the country, despite the splendid work you are doing, Minister, on the roads.