asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has satisfied himself with the level of competency of foreign pilots contracted to fly passenger planes for Irish companies operating to and from Irish airports; if any tests are made to establish the level of competency of such pilots; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am satisfied with the competency of the non-Irish pilots currently employed on passenger aircraft by Irish air companies.

The level of competency of such pilots is checked by means of tests and inspections conducted by officers of my Department or by examiners approved by the Department for that purpose.

Can the Minister advise whether the tests in terms of competency or otherwise include language tests and an understanding in particular of the English language by pilots now employed in the private sector from among non-nationals? Would the Minister advise us how often a new pilot operating within our air space and for our air companies would be subjected to testing by his Department?

The tests are laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Such are the tests that are recognised internationally. Our testing covers the whole range which satisfies the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Does it include a language test?

I presume it does. Otherwise there would not be much point in having somebody contacting the tower whose language was not understood in the tower.

I am glad to hear that.