Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleagues in this particularly important debate. Now we have reached a stage where the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to emerge in controlling the virus, it is equally important that our economy should respond to the needs of the workforce. We must do this with the utmost urgency and in a variety of ways. The European green certificate is one way of moving forward and we should utilise this method to the fullest extent possible. We should also try to recognise the pivotal and central position that this country has long established in international air transport. We must realise that there is a major onus on air transport to facilitate not only this country's needs but also global needs. I plead for a massive amount of European support for both Aer Lingus and Ryanair because of the important job they do. I hope these moneys can be made available as quickly as possible.

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