Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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158. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the IAA can provide figures for assistance received by PRMs since 2019; the proportion of this assistance that was pre-notified; the proportion of the total number of passengers using Irish airports who receive assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27883/24]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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159. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport how frequent and in-depth the disability awareness training is for public-facing airport and airline staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27884/24]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.

Irish airports and air carriers must comply with European Union Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility ("PRM") when travelling by air (“Regulation 1107”). The objective of this Regulation is to ensure “high and equivalent levels of protection and assistance throughout the Member States and to ensure that economic agents operate under harmonised conditions in a single market.” The Irish Aviation Authority ("IAA”) is the National Enforcement Body for Regulation 1107.

I am informed by the IAA that the statistics the Deputy has sought are an operational matter for each individual airport. The provision of disability awareness training is also an operational matter for each individual airport and air carrier. In respect of the State Airports, I have therefore forwarded these questions to the Shannon Airport Group and to daa (who have statutory responsibility for the management and operation of Dublin and Cork and Shannon Airports) for direct reply. I have also requested that they ensure this area is actioned in conformance with all obligations and that they would revert back to me with a report also. If a response is not received within ten days, please contact my private office.