77. The Act of 1993 is amended by the insertion of the following section after section 65:

“65B. (1) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the company shall, at such times as it may determine, conduct a review of the effectiveness of airline provisions concerning crew peer support programmes.

(b) The company shall, not later than 12 months after the commencement of section 76 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022, conduct a review.

(c) The company shall publish on the company’s website a report on the results of a review.

(d) A review shall consider the following:

(i) the use of the programme by pilots;

(ii) the pilots’ perception of the programme;

(iii) the protection of confidentiality;

(iv) the promotion, by accountable managers of recognised organisations of aircraft crew members, of the use of the programme and trust in it;

(v) the access and referral to professional advice as necessary, including referral to mental and psychological health professionals;

(vi) confidential arrangements for the temporary cessation of duty;

(vii) the process for returning to work;

(viii) resourcing;

(ix) accessibility, including online access;

(x) the selection and training of peers;

(xi) the independence of peers from management or supervisory functions or any other conflict of interest.

(e) In conducting a review, the company shall seek the direct feedback of pilots and other stakeholders, at the same time protecting the confidentiality of all information provided.

(2) Any deficiencies or opportunities for improvement identified by the company in the course of a review shall be dealt with directly through the company’s oversight programme or through the State Plan for Aviation Safety, as applicable.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prejudice the generality of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012 of 5 October 2012³ laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to air operations pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

(4) In this section—

‘programme’ means a crew peer support programme referred to in subsection (1)(a);

‘review’ means a review referred to in subsection (1)(a).”.