Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will conclude with a couple of points. The PCR test that has been proposed, especially concerning people travelling from orange and red countries, should not make travel prohibitive. Mr. Mulhern stated that the cost in Kerry would be approximately €80 per person, but Mr. Gilmore stated that the quote Knock had received was for €149.50 per person. There appears to be a disparity, so work needs to be done in that regard. All of the airports and the Department of Transport must work together to find a mechanism through which we can get the cost of the test down to a rate that is affordable for people. I call on the Government to examine this issue. We cannot have a situation where travelling home for Christmas is prohibitive for people who are on low incomes. We will probably take up this matter. We have agreed that we will write to the Department to determine the position of the €6 million in new state aid for the regional airports. We will correspond with the witnesses in that regard.

I thank Mr. Mulherin and Mr. Sheerin from Kerry Airport, Mr. Ó Cúláin, Ms Bonner and Ms Docherty from Donegal Airport, and Mr. Gilmore from Ireland West Airport Knock for engaging with our committee today.