Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The aviation sector supports upwards of 140,000 jobs. Some 40,000 of these are directly employed in the sector. Shannon Airport has been disproportionately hit and staff there have been exposed to temporary lay offs and pay cuts more so than their counterparts in Dublin and Cork airports. Shannon Airport is experiencing a sharp decline in passenger numbers and desperately needs a financial adrenaline shot to ensure it survives the economic uncertainty brought on by Covid-19 and comes out the other side in a healthy state.

The aviation task force reported to the Government on 7 July and there is an urgent need to adopt its recommendations and provide a stimulus package for Shannon Airport. We need a high-profile, highly capable individual to replace Rose Hynes as chair of Shannon Group. I look forward to the Department leading a review of the management structures at the airport. The Covid crisis presents an opportunity to redesign aviation policy. I encourage the Minister of State to look at the proposals put forward by the chambers of commerce in the region.

I would like to hear the Minister of State's views on the proposed rapid testing at the point of departure and arrivals. It is the only way to scientifically guarantee that passengers coming into Ireland and departing are Covid free.

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