Ms Lynne Embleton:

As to whether IAG's ownership is impeding support from the Government, the answer is "No". As we have seen over the years, Aer Lingus has benefited from being part of the IAG group in terms of capital, growth and the synergies of being part of the group. When the pandemic hit, British Airways was in contact with the UK Government, the Spanish carriers got in contact with the Spanish Government and we got in contact with the Irish Government. IAG's ownership is supportive of Aer Lingus in its plans rather than an impediment.

The Senator is correct about the readiness of aircraft. They need more love and attention than a car. This is one of the reasons we continue to burn cash even though we are doing little flying and have the support of the EWSS. We need to maintain our aircraft safely and ensure that our pilots are trained and ready. Safety is our No. 1 priority. It always has been and always will be. We are ensuring that we are ready. There is a significant amount going into not flying and keeping the airline ticking over and ready. While there are not many passengers in the skies, many of our functions have been phenomenally busy throughout the pandemic and the planning around that is significant. Equally, the cost of ensuring readiness so that, when restrictions are lifted, we are able to fly has been a large part of our focus. We are ready and we have dynamic and active pilot training plans and craft maintenance plans.

The Senator asked for a commitment regarding lay-offs. I am afraid I must revert to what I have already said, namely, that we will take the steps that are necessary to protect Aer Lingus and allow it to come out of this situation in the healthiest way it can so that it can get back on its growth path and doing what it wants to be doing. I cannot give commitments while there is still so much uncertainty, but it is our intention to get back flying and to restore growth and connectivity. That is what we will do if we are allowed.