Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their concise and informative presentation. It highlights what we have heard already from other witnesses about the serious crisis in aviation and the depressing state of aviation. There are two issues. The first is the interim and the short-term problem and the second is the long-term issues that arise.

On the long-term issues, I absolutely agree with previous speakers that Shannon Airport is in serious trouble. The mid-west economy, which relies on connectivity from Shannon Airport, has collapsed as a result of the effective closure of the airport. As it is currently structured and funded, Shannon Airport is not a viable model and it will have to be looked at. Members representing the mid-west have made the point several times that whereas Dublin Airport continues to expand, Shannon and Cork airports are wilting as a result. A strategic policy decision needs to be taken to divert traffic to Shannon and Cork airports. Unless that happens, these airports will be left stranded.

Regarding the workforce, I understand 600 pilots are receiving no income from their employer, with another 600 on income reduced by 25%. What is happening with cabin crew? Do the witnesses have any estimates for numbers in employment and possible redundancies? I am not surprised at these figures. I regularly meet people in the industry, particularly pilots and cabin crew. Because of the nature of the business, relationships and partnerships are formed. Those people took out mortgages and made financial commitments based on a double income and in many cases, they have a double loss. It is a fight for survival. They are under enormous stress and strain and there is desperation among that cohort of people. They require support and assistance.

It is one thing to get over the short-term problems, but is there a danger that we will lose much of this talent pool to other jurisdictions if they reopen more quickly than we do? Our national response to the aviation crisis is too sluggish. We were slow to sign up to the EU directive and have been slow with testing. There seems to be a line of thinking that an antigen test is not acceptable. I have always said at this committee that we will never get our airports running again, we will not get aircraft in the air and we will not get consumer confidence back without rapid testing. People will not wait around for 14 days. Who will go on a holiday and quarantine for 14 days in the long term? Who will come to do business in Ireland if they must lose 14 days? No one in the business sector will visit Ireland to do business and make investments with that kind of regime in place. We need rapid testing.