Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, for being here and I congratulate her on her appointment.

This is an important debate about, as the task force said, the protecting of public health but also the rebuilding of consumer confidence and regional and international connectivity. Cork and all of our airports operate in an open economy and we are an island nation. Our aviation sector, therefore, is critical. We need clarity on the task force recovery plan, on reform of the red and green list, and we also need to have a comprehensive remodelling of our testing. In welcoming that the Government has signed up to the European protocol on testing, it is now important in doing so that we recognise the green, orange and red system. In particular, on the red list, it is important that the option of testing in lieu of quarantine is put in place. It is about protecting our public health but it is also about rebuilding consumer confidence.

If one takes Cork Airport, for example, it has seen its passenger numbers plummet by 90% and faces a loss of €20 million for the year ahead. We need the reform that Senator Dooley has referred to by giving incentives for route development and retention. It must also be remembered that Cork Airport is the only airport that has not got funding under regional airport capital funding and I ask that that be given serious consideration.

I know that my time is short and that the Minister of State is going to reply but it is important that this debate is the beginning and a catalyst for the recovery of our aviation sector. This is done in the widest possible manner to support Government but to recognise also that a stimulus package to include Cork Airport is required. Reform of our testing is also required and if we are serious about signing up to the European protocol then green, red and amber means what it means, but our green and red lists must also be looked at in their entirety. I want a debate around what a green and red list means and around connectivity. Gabhaim buíochas.