Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are constrained by state aid rules. The lack of State influence in Aer Lingus is a limitation. It is not one my party supported but it is one we have to live with. The transport committee continues to meet with representatives of regional airports. Members of the committee make the case that we want to hear from them and that they need to engage with the review of the national aviation policy. It is important that there are stated commitments and objectives in respect of that policy to seek to maximise the opportunity because there is so much that is consistent with what I believe are trends in respect of emissions, carbon footprint, regional development, regional balance and working from home. It just makes absolute sense to tweak and recalibrate, and to ensure there is a balance within the system in a way that there is not at the moment. We are an outlier in the context of our balance. We need to get to the bottom of why that is the case and work to address it. The Department will have the support of my party if that is the road it travels.

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