Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Acting Chairman and all Members in the Seanad for their co-operation in ensuring the successful passage of the Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) Bill 2005 through the House. I thank the many Members who spoke on Second Stage.

I have noted the various points raised by Members and assure them that these issues will receive my attention. I appreciate from a business perspective the manner in which Senator Paddy Burke has expressed his concerns and reservations with one aspect of the Bill. I am sure Senator Burke will support the view that my officials should enter consultations with the Bill approved, but bearing in mind the concerns raised by Senator Burke and others. It is important that consultations are entered into with the Bill in hand.

Senators Burke, Dooley and Wilson have raised other issues along with the matter of liens and liabilities. I will give the Senators an undertaking to keep them fully informed of the developments as we proceed. It is important that I acknowledge the very constructive manner in which this House has gone about its business on this issue and its accommodation in passing Committee Stage today.

The Irish Aviation Authority, as our commercial State-sponsored body, does a good job in the provision of safe, orderly and efficient air navigation services in Irish-controlled airspace and in regulating the safety standards of Irish civil aviation. In fulfilling its role across a range of operational and technical regulatory functions, the IAA operates to international safety standards and procedures laid down by various organisations. The Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) Bill 2005 will further strengthen the IAA in its functions and roles.

I will take this opportunity to put on the record of the House my appreciation to the IAA's chief executive officer, Mr. Eamonn Brennan, his management team and each and every one of the IAA's employees. Heavy emphasis is placed on its team spirit as everyone plays a fundamental and pivotal role. In light of the recent death of its chairman, I will take this opportunity to salute and pay particular tribute to Mr. Donal Geaney for the significant work he undertook. I sympathise with his wife Ann and his family on their loss, which was ultimately sudden.

I thank the Acting Chairman, the House's administrative and support staff and the Members. On behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, and myself, I thank the Department's officials back at the ranch, for want of a better description, and those who have joined me here, Mr. Kevin Doyle and Mr. Fintan Towey. I hope that what we have done today will allow Ireland to ratify this important convention at the earliest possible opportunity.