Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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612. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Irish Aviation Authority has a remit in respect of the financial aspects of pilot training colleges; if amendments to this remit are expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25866/17]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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613. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to introducing a bond for pilot training colleges; if so, the outcome; the reason a bonded system not been introduced; if reports were complied; if so, if they have been published; if not, if he will publish them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25867/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 613 together. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for the safety oversight of registered pilot training colleges, including the standard of the training being delivered and the conduct of examinations and flight tests. The IAA does not have a role regarding the financial viability of a company or the contractual arrangements between pilot training centres and their clients. There are no current plans to amend the IAA's remit in this regard.

In relation to bonds, in light of difficulties experienced in Ireland - as in some other EU Member States - I am advised that my Department and the IAA gave consideration to the possibility of a bonding scheme for flight training schools. It was found that introducing such a requirement would, on balance,  be more likely to undermine the overall provision of flight training services in Ireland by increasing costs in the sector and, as such requirements are not imposed in other jurisdictions, if introduced in Ireland it would likely dissuade schools from remaining or setting up in Ireland.

It is important to note that work is ongoing through the National Civil Aviation Development Forum, which brings State agencies, industry players and relevant departments together, to identify, devise and implement measures to make the pilot training sector more competitive, including ways to potentially reduce the cost base for providing and undergoing flight training in Ireland.