Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First of all, the Government is deeply concerned about the decision of Aer Lingus yesterday. We are not blaming anyone but are seeking to do something about it. Government has been supporting both the airlines and the airports from the beginning of the pandemic, which I say without contradiction, through the means of the employment wage subsidy scheme, EWSS, the various other schemes and the capital supports to the airports in capital and through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF, to support Aer Lingus. ISIF was condemned earlier but it has helped in terms of the liquidity of Aer Lingus, in particular.

I am acutely aware of the devastating impact that the Covid-19 restrictions have had on travel and aviation. This, unfortunately, cannot be denied. This is not to blame anyone; it is a reality. The virus has killed travel for the past year but we are determined to reopen aviation and we will work with the interests and workers in Shannon to see if we can get the situation changed.

See this speech in context