Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. I wish to direct my questions to the Minister. Yesterday, there was a stark report by Sharon Tobin on "RTE News" from an empty terminal building in Dublin Airport. This scene is replicated in all our airports, both international and regional. The numbers at Dublin Airport are down 88% this year by comparison with last year. That is understandable owing to the pandemic.

We all know the impact it is having on workers in the aviation industry, both those employed directly and others. We are seeing that being played out. I was on the picket line with Estée Lauder workers from Dublin Airport who were made redundant in recent weeks. The business case relating to ending certain Bus Éireann intercity Expressway services is predicated on our airports operating at a decent capacity.

I ask the Minister where matters stand in the context of an airport testing regime. He mentioned in early August that he was working on such as system and we are now, on the last day of September, and we still do not have any clear picture as to what lies ahead. Is it an issue of resources? Have any of the extra staff and swabbers that are being hired been earmarked for an airport testing regime? We are seeing such regimes being rolled out at and in many airports and cities around the world. Given that we live on island and that we need our aviation industry to return safely, action is required. Has the Minister any update on this matter?