"Have you noticed how many "dodgy" looking aircraft operating in far flung countries for airlines you have never heard of have EI- *** registration.
Ireland is to commercial aviation what Panama was (still is ? ) to shipping, a "flag of convenience". . . . . I wonder why that would be ?"
Quite, and ironically started by Tony Ryan in another life.
Heard an Irish Minister crowing about this and saying they were looking at other 'opportunities'
It goes with the territory, Panama saw the opening a long time ago, Ireland is now in the business of being a low tax service industry hub. As such they join "The City" for example in offering light regulation environments for dubious activities. However, airframe registration should not be dubious.