Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Senators' comments. We have listened carefully to them. To give further assurance, the Government understands absolutely the intrinsic value of airports such as Ireland West Airport Knock to our economy, particularly in facilitating tourism and economic activity. We acknowledge in particular the difficulties facing our airports and the wider aviation industry at present. Again, that understanding is reflected in the level of supports being provided by the Government throughout budget 2021.This extensive suite of measures continues to be in place to help to mitigate the effects of the crisis. I know that there is a perception among the aviation industry that more needs to be done. I understand that companies - airports and airlines - have had to take very difficult commercial decisions to reduce costs. Such decisions, including temporary lay-offs and reduced working hours, have a devastating impact, particularly for close-knit enterprises and communities like Knock airport. I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the Senators that more is being done by the Government. The House will be aware that the Government recently agreed to develop a framework around the traffic light system for air travel which was adopted at EU level on 13 October. Under this system, different rules will apply to passengers arriving from regions designated as green, orange or red, depending on the prevalence of the virus there. Some of these changes have already been implemented. More are scheduled to commence as soon as this Sunday in respect of people. This is just one example of the ongoing efforts by the Government which will hopefully be a catalyst to restarting our aviation industry. I thank the House.