Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for pulling the three strands together.

Much has been said about the need for a short-time work scheme. I back up that view, which should be reflected in the committee's report. I will bundle my questions together. The first question is directed towards Mr. Kavanagh and then the SIPTU, Fórsa and IALPA representatives might comment also. In his submission Mr. Kavanagh referred to fixed-term work contracts not being renewed and the threat of further redundancies. Many of his members would be the unseen workers of the aviation industry. They are in the hangars and doing work behind the scenes to ensure the planes are ready and keep in the air. Mr. Kavanagh also referred in the submission to health and safety around the airport such as access to PPE, clear signage, workflow practices and safe work practices. With the airport operating at reduced capacity, we may not be seeing the impact that the lack of these practices is having. Even with low capacity, will Mr. Kavanagh expand on the deficiencies in the airport in terms of worker safety? At some stage the airports will recover. If there is anything he wants to add on the temporary Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme and short-time work, I would appreciate that.

Following Mr. Kavanagh's response, the SIPTU and Fórsa representatives might answer my second question on health and safety and the infrastructure that is in place for the workers they represent. With regard to IALPA's call for antigen rapid testing, which we would all like to see, and the physical infrastructure that needs to be put in place, we seem to be miles away from that. What needs to be done to get us to that point? If Mr. Kavanagh would lead off, I would appreciate it.