Air Corp ATC shortage due to State failures
Air Corp ATC shortage due to State failures - The Labour Party
- State outsourcing to private airport while Baldonnel at risk of losing 24/7 cover.
Labour Defence spokesperson Duncan Smith has welcomed the introduction of a new scheme to retain Air Corp Air Traffic Control personnel but highlighted that the shortage, which put our national security at risk, is due to the State’s own failures in ignoring the long building crisis and the impact of outsourcing the Coast Guard contract.
Deputy Smith said:
“The retention issues affecting air traffic control personnel in the Air Corp has been well known to the government for many years, but only at the last minute has action been taken to extend the Service Commitment Scheme. The Journal reported last week that a report in 2021 warned of the growing crisis in military air traffic control.
“The threat of losing 24/7 hour air traffic control put our national security at risk and highlights again the chronic recruitment and retention issues facing the Defence Forces. A move to reduce operating hours at Casement Aerodrome would also have seriously undermined policing, rescue and medical services operating from Baldonnel.
“As an island nation, the ability to operate our air space is critical, and the Defence Force controllers need to be available as a backstop contingency.
“As highlighted in media reports, the service has been operating with only about half its personnel. Trained specialists were leaving for higher paid roles in the private sector.
“The Irish Times reported many have moved to the private Weston Airport which is moving to 24 hour operations due to the stationing of the privately operated Coast Guard rescue helicopters there, which has moved a base from Dublin Airport. This is a ten year contract worth over €670 million excluding VAT. Some Garda flights are now also carried out from Weston due to issues at Baldonnel.
“This means that in effect the State which is paying for the outsourced Coast Guard service, is helping to underwrite the recruitment of publicly trained ATC personnel out of the Air Corp to allow a private airport move to 24/7 operations which is then being used for public services. Why is the State paying for the use of a private airport for critical air services instead of ensuring Casement Aerodrome can function properly?
“A longer term question now arises as to why the Coast Guard service continues to be privately run when it could potentially instead have operated as a public service based out of Baldonnel. Labour highlighted this issue in our manifesto, calling for an expert led review on whether responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard should in the long run transfer to the Department of Defence. At a minimum, there is a potential for service efficiencies and the pooling of expertise between the Air Corp, and other State funded and provided air services.
“Until the government comprehensively addresses the recruitment and retention crisis in our Defence Forces, issues like this will continue to arise. Labour reiterates our call for an independent review, in consultation with the representative associations of pay and allowances including duty rates and pension coverage to determine barriers to recruitment and retention. This should include a benchmark to international comparators and a commitment to implement recommended pay rises and pension changes.”