Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Waterford based Pilot Training College of Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42491/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously stated the situation which arose is most unfortunate and came about from the failure of the Pilot Training College (PTC), a privately-owned and operated flight training school, to meet its contractual obligations to its students in relation to the completion of their training.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has responsibility for approving and overseeing flight training organisations in Ireland.  The Authority’s primary functions in this regard are the oversight of the safety, quality and standard of the training being delivered, the conduct of examinations and flight tests.  They look at whether the company has sufficient resources to safely provide the training required to the internationally determined standards.  They have no involvement in, or responsibility for, the contractual arrangements between flight schools and their students.

While I have considerable sympathy for those facing personal financial loss, there are a significant number of creditors in this case including foreign students, large airlines and others. It would not be practical to treat those creditors differently to those individuals who have contacted the Deputy. Ultimately the Irish tax-payer cannot be liable for failed private companies. Almost all companies in the State are regulated or licensed by the State or a State agency or body. This does not confer liability on the State.