Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 16.

In page 56, to delete lines 3 to 39, and in page 57, to delete lines 1 to 4 and substitute the following:

“65B.(1) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the company will, at no more than three-year intervals, conduct a review of the effectiveness of airline provisions concerning crew peer support programmes.

(b) The company will, not later than 12 months after the commencement of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022, conduct a review.

(c) The company will publish on the company’s website a report on the results of a review.

(d) A review will consider the following:

(i) the use of the programme by pilots;

(ii) the pilots’ perception of the programme;

(iii) the protection of confidentiality;

(iv) the promotion, by accountable managers of recognised organisations of aircraft crew members, of the use of the programme and trust in it;

(v) the access and referral to professional advice as necessary, including referral to mental and psychological health professionals;

(vi) confidential arrangements for the temporary cessation of duty;

(vii) the process for returning to work;

(viii) resourcing;

(ix) accessibility, including online access;

(x) the selection and training of peers;

(xi) the independence of peers from management or supervisory functions or any other conflict of interest.

(e) Nothing should prejudice a person’s right to seek assistance from a peer not working in the same organisation as the person seeking

assistance from the support programme.

(f) In conducting a review, the company will seek the direct feedback of pilots and other stakeholders, at the same time protecting the

confidentiality of all information provided.

(2) Any deficiencies or opportunities for improvement identified by the company in the course of a review shall be dealt with directly through

the company’s oversight programme or through the State Plan for Aviation Safety, as applicable.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prejudice the generality of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012 of 5 October 2012 laying

down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to air operations pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008 of the

European Parliament and of the Council.

(4) In this section— ‘programme’ means a crew peer support programme referred to in subsection (1)(a); ‘review’ means a review referred to in subsection (1)(a).

(5) That the legislation will be reviewed after a period of 12 months with a view to putting Peer Support Programmes as operated by Airlines in

Ireland on a statutory footing following a period of consultation with stakeholders to determine the legislative position.”.