Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I wish to state that in respect of the contributions of the Minister and the Minister for State, it would be reasonable for the Government to outline its position on the use of rapid antigen testing. It was namechecked by one of the Ministers. At this point, given its importance in respect of the reopening of our aviation industry, it would be reasonable for the Government to provide a detailed position and explanation on this issue. It is not a new proposal. There is plenty of evidence around it. It is being used in other countries and jurisdictions. If the Government is of the view that it should not be used here and if there is some sort of Irish exceptionalism, we should hear the rationale behind it. A simple namecheck of it as this point is highly insufficient.

On the issue of the EU digital green certificate, we need to hear directly from the Ministers if there are any capacity or IT issues with it. There have been media reports to that effect. We need to know if there is anything that will delay the implementation of the certificates on an IT or a logistical basis. If there is, what resources are being put in place to deal with, address and prioritise it, given how important it is for the reopening of the aviation sector? We, together with the thousands of families working in the aviation industry and the supporting industries, deserve clear explanations, information and answers from the Ministers and the Government on that issue.

I must say that I am not comfortable with how the Minister of State addressed the issue of job losses in Shannon Airport. In her comments, she acknowledged them and stated that they were regrettable, then attempted to justify and normalise them by listing off some other parts of Europe where there have also been job losses in the aviation sector. That is not a sufficient response from Government or Ministers. The Minister of State should not comment as if the Government is just a bystander or observer in this, when in fact, Government is setting policy and should be playing a much more active, hands-on role in protecting our connectivity and our jobs in this crucial industry. I ask the Government to look at that issue.

We need certainty and clarity on this issue. It has been most unhelpful over the last period that there have been such contradictory statements made by various Ministers. The contradictions are so bad in respect of aviation and the uncertainty is so bad in terms of commentary, that some Ministers even contradict themselves within days of making public comments. They may not realise the effect that this has on the industry, on those working in it and the people whose livelihoods depend on it. It creates huge uncertainty and stress. Like many other Deputies here, I have been contacted by numerous constituents. It is common, for example, for there to be two members of a household whose income is entirely reliant on the industry. Pilots are protesting outside the building today. They were here yesterday and they will be here during the week again. It is not just the pilots and cabin crew who are affected. There is a huge number of support staff members who are involved from the moment that someone enters an airport to the time when they touch down at their destination airport. All of those jobs and roles are skilled jobs. All of them are at risk.

What has happened in Shannon should be the final wake-up call to the Government that this hands-off approach is not sufficient and the aviation industry needs all the support that we can give it. In comparison with other European countries, sadly, we have been very far behind in terms of the level of support we have provided. It is welcome that the Minister has spoken about the need to build back better in terms of sustainability. I agree with him and support that. However, we also need to build back better in respect of jobs and connectivity. Regional connectivity must be at the heart of that. We must ensure that it is part of the backbone of the recovery in the aviation sector.

Looking at the supports provided in other countries, €10 billion was provided to Lufthansa, €7 billion was given to Air France and €1.2 billion was provided to TAP Air Portugal. It is clear that the Government's support here has been paltry in comparison. More than €43 billion has been provided in government supports across Europe for aviation and airlines. The contribution in Ireland has been much smaller.

Given that this is an island nation, one would think that the support for workers in aviation and in airlines would be greater but, given the comments that have been made and the lack of action so far, I do not believe that this is fully grasped yet at senior level. Hopefully, we will get certainty in the announcements on Friday.

It is important that all the recommendations from the aviation task force recovery report last year are implemented. In addition, when certainty is given on Friday, and I hope it will be, that would be the time for the task force to be urgently reconvened to help map out a long-term plan to support the sector. That is very important. Our supports for the sector must be about sustainability, regional connectivity and the role the aviation sector can play as the backbone for our connectivity, economy and society, and ensuring it reopens safely for both passengers and staff. The Government has said it will not have sector-specific income supports, but it has to look at aviation. Some people working in that sector have been far more badly hit and for much longer in terms of income. Some sector-specific supports on the income side there should be considered.

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