James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by confirming that I am within the Leinster House complex. I thank the witnesses for attending and for providing us with an important opportunity to discuss the issues facing cabin crew and others working in aviation. I have been very clear about my position on these issues and on what we need to do. Very important decisions will be made when the Cabinet meets this Friday. The Government needs to carefully consider the Ferguson report. Professor Mark Ferguson, the director general of Science Foundation Ireland, produced a phenomenal report on the benefits of antigen testing. If we want to avoid a situation where even more workers are laid off and are left in the unfortunate position of being without a job, then this committee must do everything it can to encourage NPHET and the Government to consider antigen testing so that people can get back to work and those who have lost employment can regain it.

The witnesses have hit the nail on the head in terms of sector-specific supports and it is incredibly important that this is looked at in more detail in the context of aviation. There are very few industries that have been hit as hard as aviation. Many aviation workers are now facing the prospect of losing their jobs. We must ask if it would be beneficial to consider sector-specific supports for aviation workers who will hopefully be back to some degree of normality in a number of months. There would be huge benefits in doing that and I have made that point to the Minister for Finance at every possible opportunity. I agree with the witnesses on that point.

I have one quick question. What is the witnesses' message to Government vis-à-visits decisions on the reopening of aviation? I am particularly interested in a response from the representative from Fórsa.