Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The report on the fatal air crash at Cork Airport on 10 February 2011 was published today. It made strong criticisms of the Spanish authorities as the plane that crashed was licensed there. The report referred to inadequate command training, as well as inadequate checking and oversight of the operation by both Flightline, the Spanish airline involved, and the Spanish aviation authorities. The report also highlighted systematic deficiencies in operation, organisation and regulatory levels. The deficiencies included inadequate pilot training, scheduling of flight crews, maintenance and oversight of the operation by the operator and the state of regulation.

The report is so serious that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, should take it up with the Spanish authorities. A free trade area in aviation depends on all aviation authorities involved being equally assiduous in matters of safety and regulation. Six people were killed in this crash. Unless it is corrected, it will be recorded as an Irish air crash when the report lays the blame firmly on Spain. The Minister should intervene on behalf of the Irish industry.

It was announced today that we are to spend €25.6 million in setting up a national postcode system, €16 million to develop it and €1.2 million a year to maintain it. This was discussed on 4 July in this House with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte. At the time, concerns were expressed about the cost to which the Minister replied that one should not believe what one reads in the newspapers. He also said, "They [the figures] did not come from me and I am happy that the CBA, cost-benefit analysis, that will accompany the postcodes will show that there is considerable advantage to the State." Can we have this analysis published, particularly in light of the problems with Irish Water? We must investigate such projects before money is spent on them. In 2003, An Post stated a national public postcode system was unnecessary, a 1960s solution to a 21st century problem, would be expensive and that the existing system was superior. I have a constituency which is on both sides of the Border. I can never remember the postcodes for constituents in Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh. Before we embark on this project, can we see the cost-benefit analysis? Are the benefits worth the €25.6 million for which we signed up yesterday?