Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2024
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if the IAA will provide figures for assistance received by passengers with restricted mobility since 2019; the proportion of this assistance that was pre-notified; the proportion of the total passengers using Irish airports who receive assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27814/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport how frequent and in-depth the disability awareness training for public-facing airport and airline staff is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27815/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 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 question 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. If a response is not received within ten days, please contact my private office.
