Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Our amendment is No. c4a on crew peer support. We know that since the Germanwings murder-suicide crash in 2015, it is recognised that pilots need to be provided with support programmes to deal with personal and mental health issues, and this requirement is mandated by the European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, and came into force in February 2021. IALPA has provided pilot support programmes since the 1970s, which aim to help pilots keep their licences while supporting the pilots and the airlines to resolve difficult personal issues. However, this group only operates under Aer Lingus. Some other airlines have been setting up their own programmes but they are not all conforming to the same standards.

Our amendment is looking to have a single national peer support programme forum under the aegis of the IAA. One of the key differences between our amendment and the proposal by the Government is the particular language under the proposed new provision in paragraph (iv) at section 65B(1)(d)(iv). The Minister of State might clarify a question on the "promotion, by accountable managers of recognised organisations of aircraft crew members, of the use of the programme and trust in it". Who are these accountable managers? Are they the managers of pilot unions or the managers of the airline? Another issue on which we would like clarification is the review. Pilots have the right to access a peer support programme even if it is not a peer support programme within their own airline, and that is provided for under the EASA regulations. The Minister of State might start with that clarification about who are the accountable managers.