Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. We have seen the severe impact that Covid has had on our hospitality sector, on which more than 200,000 jobs are dependent. More than 75% of the spend comes from the 11 million tourists who visit our country. I support the comments that we need to introduce antigen testing at our airports to start reopening our tourism sector for the coming summer. We do not want to see a situation where it is introduced in Northern Ireland and then it has tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people visiting while our industry is closed.

Recently, I met the Irish Travel Agents Association, ITAA. We need to protect our travel agents and support jobs in Ireland. I do not mean agents registered here and based abroad. I would like an update on the refunds from Ryanair, which initially refused to deal with members of the ITAA. This was spoken about at a meeting of the Oireachtas joint committee. I would like to know where we stand with regard to Ryanair and refunds.

Yesterday, I met the Irish Air Line Pilots Association. I was struck by one comment in particular, which was that the aviation industry could mirror the construction industry after the crash. We need to support it and we have a collective duty to do so. I support the comments made by Senator Doherty.

With regard to applications for driver licences, I know it is the Road Safety Authority that deals with this but there are issues with regard to bus companies seeking licences for the drivers they need to allow for 50% capacity on bus routes. They are struggling to get drivers. They have people willing to apply for licences but they cannot do the test. I ask that these circumstances are classified as essential as they are needed to fulfil the 50% obligation.