Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the performance of Irish aviation regulatory authorities in view of the approach taken by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. [44092/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) is the independent regulator for the enforcement of air passenger rights in Ireland under EU Regulation 261 of 2004. It functions as part of a close network of national enforcement bodies across the EU, including the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK.

As regards the role played by CAR in enforcing passenger rights in Ireland following the recent announcement by Ryanair of the cancellation of a number flights, I am aware that the CAR has been working directly with the airline since the announcements were made to ensure that the provisions of the Regulation were correctly applied in respect of the passengers affected.  

On Friday 29 September, CAR announced that it had secured a commitment from Ryanair that it will fully comply with the regulations and directly provide affected customers with the necessary information on refunds, rerouting, care and assistance and compensation. It is understood that Ryanair has also committed to provide weekly updates to CAR on the number of passengers entitled to compensation and expenses, the number of claims submitted and the number of claims closed-out. I am satisfied with the approach adopted by CAR in dealing with this matter.

It is noted that Ryanair recently replied to correspondence received from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and has agreed to meet its requirements for clarification on Ryanair’s obligations under Regulation 261/2004, which are in line with those requested by the CAR.

With regard to the regulation of aviation safety, the Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for safety regulation, oversight and inspection and ensures that all Irish airlines continue to be fully compliant with European aviation safety regulations.  In that context, it is important to acknowledge that the IAA is a high performing regulator, whose safety oversight and inspection regime is subject to rigorous international, independent audit, which consistently confirms it amongst the very best aviation regulatory bodies.