Air Accident Investigation in Ireland was historically performed by the aeronautical staff of what is now the Department of Transport. At various stages in the past, this Department was known as the Department of Industry and Commerce, Department of Transport and Power, Department of Industry and Energy, Department of Energy and the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications, Department of Public Enterprise and currently the Department of Transport.

In 1993, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) was set up, as a self-funding semi-state organisation, to regulate civil aviation in Ireland. At the same time the Department established the AAIU in keeping with a European Union Council Directive 94/56/EC which established the fundamental principles governing the investigation of civil aviation accidents and incidents of 21 November 1994, which came into effect on 21 November 1996. Article 6 of this directive states

"Each Member State shall ensure that technical investigations are conducted or supervised by a permanent civil aviation body or entity. The body or entity concerned shall be functionally independent in particular of the national aviation authorities responsible for airworthiness, certification, flight operation, maintenance, licensing, air traffic control or airport operation and, in general, of any other party whose interests could conflict with the task entrusted to the investigation body of entity".

At an international level, Annex 13 to the Convention of International Civil Aviation lays down the international standards and recommended practices relating to aircraft accident and incident investigation. The current Ninth Edition of Annex 13, of July 2001, features substantial amendments to the Annex.

To reflect the changes in the current, Ninth Edition of Annex 13, and to also encompass the provision of the European Union Council Directive, Statutory Instrument S.I. 460 of 2009, Air Navigation (Notification and Investigation of Accidents, Serious Incidents and Incidents) Regulations, 2009, came in to effect on 9th December 2009. This replaces the earlier  S.I. 205 of 1997.

Accidents and Incidents which occurred prior to 9th December 2009 will continue to be investigated under the provisions of S.I. 205 of 1997 while Accidents and Incidents which occurred from 9th December, inclusive, will be investigated under the provisions of S.I. 460 of 2009.

An important aspect of the legislation is that in accordance with Annex 13 to the International Civil Aviation Organisation Convention, Council Directive 94/56/EC, and Statutory Instrument No. 460 of 2009, THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THESE INVESTIGATIONS IS TO PREVENT AVIATION ACCIDENTS.  IT IS NOT THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUCH ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION AND THE ASSOCIATED INVESTIGATION REPORT TO APPORTION BLAME OR LIABILITY.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit is located at 44 Kildare St, Dublin 2, and has a permanent staff of eight personnel including:

One Chief Inspector of Accidents

Two Secretariat

Air Accident Investigation Unit Organisation Chart