A group of 26 air traffic controllers graduated from the Irish Aviation Authority's training school in Shannon, Co Clare today.
The class includes 25 graduates from across Ireland and one from Spain. It is the fourth graduation ceremony since the IAA started its Air Traffic Controllers' course in 1997. A total of 91 controllers have now passed through the programme.
Speaking at the ceremony in Adare, Co Limerick today, the Minister for State at the Department of Health and Children, Mr Tim O'Malley said the profession was "extremely challenging and responsible".
"Air travellers and operators all rely on a professional air traffic management tea to get them safely to their destinations," he said.