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

I am a Deputy from the constituency of Limerick City in the mid-west. Connectivity through Shannon Airport is vital. It is a key component of our economic and tourism model. Crucial in that respect is the need to have an Aer Lingus cabin crew base located at Shannon Airport to ensure it is possible to provide flights at times which suit business people in the region and tourists. In that regard, I have two requests. First, I understand from the Taoiseach that the Government will continue to engage with Aer Lingus to seek to reverse the closure of the cabin crew base. Second, whatever supports are needed should be provided to ensure we can retain that base in Shannon.

Finally, regarding the reopening, and we look forward to that announcement of the plan next week, I ask that it be done in a way that will enable us to be ready when the full resumption of air travel occurs and the digital green certificate comes in at the end of June. That would enable us to have the Common Travel Area operational and the Heathrow route up and running as quickly as possible, as well as transatlantic flights. Aer Lingus is a key part of making that happen, and, in turn, an essential component in that regard is the retention of the cabin crew base. That is an important aspect, in addition to the jobs themselves.

See this speech in context