Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

My sense is that since the report of the Commission for Aviation Regulation in the summer, the sittings of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response and through to today, we have not seen the level of urgency that is required in terms of implementing a plan for the sector. We know that even if a plan were implemented next week that included rapid testing, locator forms and everything else, it would still require a number of months, if not longer, for the aviation industry to recover. It is not a question of the aeroplanes going straight back up in the sky. None of us is operating under that assumption. However, I do not get a sense that there is any urgency from the Minister in tackling the issues or at least putting us on a path to recovery. I am very concerned about that.

The witnesses mentioned the importance of planning and scheduling of flights. However, there has been no progress in this regard in the period from the meetings of the Covid committee in July, the meeting of this committee on 7 October, through to this meeting today. If the Government continues to make no progress through November, December and into the start of next year, what plans are the witnesses putting in place in terms of their workforces? I am not trying to create any extra fear because the workers are already very scared and uncertain about their future. What kinds of implications will continuing Government inaction have for the airlines' ability to sustain their workforce at current levels?