Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government very much regrets the job losses that have occurred in airlines and aviation in general. They are principally a consequence of the pandemic and the travel restrictions that we have had to put in place. Many in this House thought our travel restrictions did not go far enough. I know Deputy Grealish was not one of them, but it is strange to hear some of those people now defending airline workers and workers in the aviation industry when they were almost chomping at the bit for stricter travel restrictions only a few weeks and months ago. I hope that airport workers and airline staff will see through that sort of hypocrisy.

In terms of what the Government has done already - and we have done a great deal - €300 million has been provided in wage subsidies for airlines and airports. That is a lot of money. If one multiplies that by ten in order to compare it with the figure for France, one gets €3 billion. Based on our population, the €300 million already provided in provided in wage subsidies for the airlines and airports has helped many people to retain their jobs. A funding package of a further €80 million is being provided for aviation and loans of €150 million have been extended to Aer Lingus. There is also a further €40 million. That is what has been provided already. It is a lot. What they need to survive and prosper is to get back flying again. I hope that the announcement the Government makes on Friday on a roadmap for a return to international travel will provide the necessary confidence.

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