David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I support the call made by Senator O'Donovan to discuss the breakdown in the commercial relationship between the pilot training centre based in Waterford and the Florida Institute of Technology. A number of Senators made the point that many young Irish trainee pilots have been left high and dry, and there is a responsibility on the State to protect young people who find themselves in this vulnerable position. There are issues in regard to visas. I am aware that the institute in Florida is doing its best but the Government has a responsibility also, especially in view of the costs many of these young people and their families paid out to ensure their children get the education and training they need.

It should be stated also that the State has made a significant contribution to this pilot training centre. In 2008, the centre received €18,000 in support from Enterprise Ireland. In 2010, the State agency invested €400,000 of taxpayers' money to take out what are called repayable preference shares in the company. There are legitimate questions which need to be answered. Questions arise in regard to the role of the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, and the reason it failed to spot this problem, and there are issues of regulation. Also, there are question marks over the Government's response and the supports it is giving to the people who find themselves in this position.

It is not good enough to say that we should raise this matter on the Adjournment when we are talking about a very serious issue affecting many young people who have been left stranded. There is a responsibility on us to have a full discussion in the House on this important issue to allow us ask the important questions of the Minister responsible, namely, the practical supports he will give to those young people who find themselves in this position and the steps he intends to take to ensure such mistakes do not happen again.