Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Paddy Burke not only for his comments on the floor of the House but for the concerns he has expressed on these issues outside the House. I understand why he tabled these amendments.

The amendments arise from concerns about the detention and sale of aircraft for non-payment of airport, air navigation and communication charges. Ireland has taken a policy decision not to impose the provisions of the revised Eurocontrol convention on joint and several liability in the case of unpaid Eurocontrol en route charges. This Bill does not incorporate the provisions in Annex 4 of the revised convention. A number of questions have been raised on the powers of detention and sale of aircraft contained in earlier Acts, in particular the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, and whether the provisions of those Acts accord with the policy on liability now being adopted.

I have received advice on this matter from officials who have already commenced a consultation process with various interested parties. Following the process I may bring forward amendments to existing legislation in this area. To assist the discussion today I propose that, with the agreement of the House, subject to the analysis being complete any such amendments would be proposed on Committee Stage in the Dáil and the Bill reported back to the Seanad. I will be happy to keep Senators Burke and Wilson informed of developments so they are fully au fait with the proposals.

Ireland is one of the eight states of the 35 members of Eurocontrol still to ratify the convention. The revised convention cannot come into force until all member states complete their ratification procedures. In order to complete our own ratification procedures my Department is anxious to have the Bill on the Dáil Order Paper at the earliest possible date. I will ask officials to complete the consultation quickly and report to me as soon as possible. I hope there will be no delay in the passage of the Bill through both Houses.