Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is a difficult time for the aviation industry. I wish to discuss a number of concerns that have been raised with me by constituents in recent weeks. They are worried about the future of the aviation sector in Ireland, the continued lockdown and the impact of Covid-19 on the sector's financial viability. They have raised with me their genuinely held concerns that if airlines are not financially supported, they will abandon routes to and from this country, leaving us less connected internationally. As a small, open economy that is highly dependent on international trade, foreign direct investment and tourism, this cannot be allowed to happen. We need an aviation industry that is intact and ready to take off to assist with the economic recovery that will follow this difficult time.

Our airlines rely on summer bookings to make enough money to tide them over the loss-making winter season. The loss of a second consecutive summer season after an entire year of practically zero revenue will prove fatal for airlines that have already decimated their cash reserves. Reports suggest that Aer Lingus alone has been losing approximately €1 million per day since last April, some 300 days ago.

Our airlines are intrinsic to the success of our island nation and their routes supply our economic lifeblood, bringing foreign direct investment and an estimated €10 billion into the economy annually. Every aircraft that leaves Ireland will represent lost jobs and lost GDP. It is an economic fact that if our airlines are allowed to go out of business, the consequences for the economy will be devastating. The UK Government provided a loan worth €670 million to Ryanair, an Irish airline, such was the value it placed on Ryanair's contribution to the UK's economy.

The window remaining for decisive action is fast closing. Airlines plan and budget for their important summer schedules at this time of year. They will soon have to make difficult decisions based on expected market conditions. Airline owners will not allow yet another lost summer. The potential remains that they will cut their losses.

If international travel must be suppressed in future - it must be for the health of our people - then financial support for Irish airlines must be considered. If the Government acts to suppress travel, it must also act to save these vital routes, which connect us to the rest of the world.

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