Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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382. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the relationship between the Irish Aviation Authority, as the aviation regulator, and the companies it regulates; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that allegations were made about confidential communications being passed from the IAA to some of these companies; his plans to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39245/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has statutory responsibility for regulating aviation safety in the State in accordance with standards laid down in European law and by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Like all other national aviation regulatory authorities, the IAA is subject to regular review at international level by ICAO and by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ensure that it is appropriately regulating the various entities involved in aviation in Ireland in accordance with these standards.  The outcome of the audits of the IAA by these international organisations indicate that IAA is performing its safety regulation activities to a very high standard.  The audits have never raised any concerns about the relationship between the IAA and the entities that it regulates.  

I intend to have an examination of the IAA's performance of its functions carried out in accordance with Section 32 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 in the near future.  The last such examination was carried out in 2004 and concluded that "there is a general, positive and proactive attitude and competence vis-à-vis safety and the maintenance of a high safety level” in the Authority.  In the intervening period, the IAA has been subject to numerous audits by EASA and ICAO as described above.

I am aware of the allegations that the Deputy refers to and these have been addressed by the IAA. My predecessor met with representatives of the Irish Airline Pilots Association in relation to this matter in July this year and I have recently accepted an invitation to meet with the Association to discuss this and other matters.