Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that this issue is being taken extremely seriously at Government level. All Members understand the importance of aviation for Ireland as an island nation, including for foreign direct investment, tourism and connectivity as an island. I chaired a special meeting of the steering committee of the NCADF. My departmental officials maintain regular contact with the sector. The NCADF was established through the recommendation of the national aviation policy in 2016 and brings together all the key stakeholders within the aviation industry. That meeting provided a very constructive opportunity for that engagement around a roadmap for recovery at the appropriate time while obviously taking into account the public health measures and what is happening at EU and UK levels.

The Deputy can be assured that every necessary support will be given. We are constantly watching and monitoring this matter. There is considerable uncertainty in Europe today. The numbers of people infected with Covid-19 have increased. This is not just an Irish issue, it is a global issue. I assure the Deputy the aviation sector is critical to the Government.

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