Mr. Liam Berney:

The Deputy characterised succinctly the type of short-term working scheme we have in mind. Workers would be given a guarantee of a significant proportion of their net income. The employer would employ them for as much time as they could. The remainder of the time may be used to engage in upskilling to address future skills needs of the company or the general sector. That is the way these schemes work in other places. The balance of the money not paid by the employer is paid through the social welfare system.

Some of the forecasts for the aviation sector from industry experts are quite scary. Some have said that 2019 levels of activity will not be seen again in aviation until as late as 2026. That shows the need for a detailed look at how aviation employers and workers are supported into the future. If we do not, there is a possibility that decisions will be taken outside of the State that will damage the aviation. The sector is important to its workers and to the economy more generally.