Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the operational functionality of Baldonnell Aerodrome given the recent issues with air traffic control personnel. [48979/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Following an operational decision taken by the military authorities earlier this year to restrict operational flight activity at Casement Aerodrome to a 5 day week (12 hours a day) service, I am advised that Air Traffic Control is now operational on a 7 day a week basis 12 hours per day (0800 – 2000).

In parallel with a number of HR initiatives I have approved since that decision, notably the introduction of a new Service Commitment scheme aimed at ATC personnel, my Department has entered into a contract with an external service provider to provide Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) services at the Aerodrome. The contract put in place, with the agreement of the military authorities, will assist them in restoring their capacity to return to full operational flight activities on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis.