Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking this debate. I want to deal with this issue by addressing the two prongs relating to the aviation sector. I understand we will see a new reopening roadmap for the aviation sector next week. I ask the Minister of State to confirm that will be the case. It is critical for us to align with the EU proposals in terms of reopening. It is about testing. It is about adding to the green list countries with lower infection rates than we have. The airlines will not survive without an expansion of this reopening of air travel.

Shannon Airport needs support through Aer Lingus restoring the Shannon to Heathrow service, along with the transatlantic services to John F. Kennedy Airport and Boston. We need State supports for companies like Aer Lingus. It is a major worry with Ryanair talking about needing the green routes to be relaxed and reopened in line with EU policy. I ask the Minister of State to give a commitment that there will be a change in the reopening in terms of the green route policy and ensuring that supports will be provided for the Aer Lingus Shannon to Heathrow service and the its transatlantic services out of Shannon.

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