Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps that have been taken with the UK and the EU to address the recent volcanic ash crisis; if guidelines or new protocols have been established to alleviate the impact of any future volcanic eruptions on air passengers and airlines in Irish and European air space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26830/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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EU Transport Ministers have discussed the recent crisis in the industry caused by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud at two extraordinary meetings of the Council and the issue will also be discussed tomorrow, 24th June, at a further meeting of the Council. At the first such meeting by video conference on 19th April, Ministers agreed measures that allowed for the progressive and co-ordinated opening of European airspace from 20th April centred on the designation of zones based on ash concentration levels. These measures were immediately implemented by the Irish Aviation Authority with regard to operations in Irish airspace. Data gathered from test and observation flights and airline operations since the volcanic eruption began and further discussions with airframe and engine manufacturers enabled the IAA and UK CAA to jointly implement a revised zonal system announced on 18th May which will considerably reduce the threat of further significant disruption.

The Commission will be making a detailed presentation to myself and my fellow EU Transport Ministers at tomorrow's Council meeting outlining the EU's response to the consequences of the volcanic ash cloud on air transport. I anticipate that the discussion at tomorrow's Council will be a wide ranging one and will include a report on various initiatives underway to better prepare for, and alleviate, the impact of any future volcanic eruptions. These initiatives include the accelerated implementation of the second phase of the Single European Sky initiative, an examination of the Regulation on air passenger rights to take account of experience during the crisis and a review of the ICAO Volcanic Ash Contingency Plan.