Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3l:

In page 48, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following: “(4) (a) An annual audit shall be conducted by the IAA of Ireland’s compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.

(b) The audit shall identify those ICAO standards that Ireland does not comply with. Where non-compliance with an ICAO standard is identified the audit will identify the reason for non-compliance and report on whether a difference to the standard has been notified to ICAO and if not when a difference will be filed.

(c) The audit shall also identify those cases where Ireland is not in compliance with ICAO Recommended Practices, the reason for the non-acceptance of an ICAO Recommended Practice, and whether and when Ireland will adhere to the ICAO Recommended Practice.

(d) The ICAO Compliance Audit for any year will be presented to the Minister and published by the IAA within the first three months of the immediately following year.”.

This amendment proposes that there be an audit trail. The amendment would insert a new section to deal with the IAA's oversight of compliance with ICAO rules. From that point of view, it would leave us in a situation whereby we would have an annual report. If there are deficiencies vis-à-viswhat is required of the ICAO, then those deficiencies would be highlighted and identified, and remedial action could be taken immediately in order to put things right. From that point of view, it would strengthen the Bill and make for good accounting and reporting. I ask the Minister of State to consider accepting the amendment.