Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I can feel the frustration. Indeed, that is felt here at committee level as well on the basis that we seem to have made no progress since our last discussion. The scenario that has been pointed out today is frank and forthright but very bleak. We started this process in the past few days and the whole aviation scenario tends to look catastrophic. We have a situation where the prospects for airlines are bleak and where Cork, Shannon and Knock airports are effectively wastelands and deserted as we speak. Plus tourism is non-existent. Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair bring many people to Ireland through the commercial and business sector so they have a good idea of their profile. We all talk about tourism and the impact on the economy, which is correct. Will the witnesses outline their assessment of the damage that has been, and is being, done to our business and corporate sector due to a lack of connectivity?

Have both airlines requested state aid from the Government? Yesterday, we heard from a representative of the European Commission that he was not aware of any application for state aid being made on Ireland's behalf. Aer Lingus and Ryanair mentioned on several occasions in the recent past that they must compete with other airlines in other countries that have the assistance and support of state aid within their jurisdiction. Has the Government made an application? Yesterday, I was gobsmacked to hear the representative of the European Commission say that there were a number of funds available to be accessed but he was not aware as to whether the Irish Department, Ministry or Government had made an application.

Yesterday, a refund issue arose. What is the refund position with both airlines? We have had many complaints from consumers who are entitled and eligible for a refund. The process seems extremely slow and the Irish Travel Agents Association has taken a huge amount of criticism as a result. Will the witnesses update us? What is their attitude to refunds? How have the airlines approached that?

Do the witnesses agree we have no possibility of opening the airports and bringing people on to aircrafts unless we put a rapid testing system in place? This is all about people having the confidence to board an aircraft and fly. Obviously, the movement of people generates movement within the economy but, as things stand, we are at a complete standstill. What is the view on rapid testing? What is the level of communication between the airlines and the Dublin Airport Authority and the Department on rapid testing? How do the witnesses see that progressing?

In terms of Christmas, I understood from the way we were moving yesterday and from the statements emanating from Government previously that we hoped for some happy reunions at Christmas. Therefore, I hoped that we would have a co-ordinated policy, and that guidelines would be set out so people could understand the basis on which they could return home for Christmas. However, yesterday, the Chief Medical Officer, CMO, and NPHET poured cold water on that. There does not seem to be a co-ordinated approach of one voice and one action. The policy is all over the shop and we seem to be making it up as we go along. There is no place more impacted than the aviation industry because of a lack of direction and policy.