Ms Ashley Connelly:

I thank Deputy O'Rourke for his question. I represent cabin crew with all airlines and I cannot overstate the stress and anxiety that our members have experienced since the onset of this crisis. I have discussed with members their sleepless nights and their extremely frightening experiences. The Deputy asked about the TWSS and accessing the short-time working scheme. There is no doubt that the Department must provide clarity. The individuals I represent are so concerned about what the future holds for them and the Department has a responsibility to provide them with the necessary information. If they are on shorter working hours and are not working their contracted hours, a short-time working scheme should be made available them. A decision must be made and our members deserve a clear response from the Department of Social Protection.

Our members are trying to seek alternative employment but because of the way their rosters are being drawn up, they do not know what their next month's work schedule will be. I have heard of people who have been offered jobs but when they say they work as cabin crew in the aviation sector, the job offers are withdrawn. Our members are trying to improve their own income security but they are meeting obstacles all of the time. There is an onus on us all, a collective responsibility, to put in place a real plan to shore up a short-time working scheme and to reconsider the appropriateness and longevity of the EWSS for this sector. Our members are suffering every day and are really struggling. The mortgage break gave some relief but that has now ceased. People are also worried about what the payment breaks mean in terms of what they will have to pay back on their mortgages. These are real fears and our members need clarity from the Department. Such clarity must be forthcoming as a matter of urgency. We must also have engagement on an extension to and further development of the EWSS for those working in aviation. I urge the Government to face up to its responsibility and to start engaging on a realistic plan that will bring certainty to those working in aviation. There is no line of sight on recovery and our members need certainty, which is not asking a lot.