Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

Like the previous Senator who spoke about the referendum on children's rights, everybody in the House has mentioned that subject. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has made a commitment that the referendum will be held as a stand-alone one. She also said that political parties and other interested groups will be consulted. It takes time to get the wording right, but the commitment is definitely there for the autumn. Knowing the Minister, I know that I will not have to eat my words because she has said it repeatedly. She has made it her priority since taking office.

I wish to raise again the issue of the junior pilots' training college in Waterford, the PTA, which has folded. I wish to welcome two of the trainee pilots concerned who are in the Visitors Gallery. There is a picket outside Leinster House today and they are seeking a meeting with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Varadkar. I understand he is abroad but I ask the Leader to arrange a meeting between the Minister and the pilots with the Irish Aviation Authority also. The authority has overall power in this matter, so it is important that both the Minister and the IAA should meet the students. It is the least they deserve after putting so much money into the course. Some people are €80,000 out of pocket having taken out loans.

I understand that some of the students were advised by the IAA to continue their studies in Florida. Now, however, the IAA has said the expiry date for getting flights refunded is 31 July. Therefore those who were advised by the IAA to stay on and continue their course may not have their flights refunded. I want to ensure that all those students get their flights refunded and get their education costs reimbursed or else continue the course with some other college.

Pilot training is so important because we put our lives in their hands when travelling by air. The same applies to doctors. Look at all the money we put into training medical students. These student pilots are not seeking hand-outs, they want a leg up but have been denied it. Perhaps the Leader could meet the two pilot representatives here later if he has anything to tell them.