Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The objective with regard to the aviation sector, not just for the Minister of State, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, but also for the Government over the past year, was to make sure that those who were travelling abroad for holidays or for whatever other reason were not negatively affected. A huge amount of work has been done to ensure that, where possible, refunds have been given and where they were not given, that vouchers were provided and that the terms and conditions were as flexible as possible. We have also tried to ensure, in allowing refunds or vouchers, that the aviation sector has been able to remain in operation so that when we open up and travel is allowed, people will actually have an industry to avail of and be able to travel. It is about supporting consumers and the sector to make sure that when people are able to travel and, hopefully, when we navigate our way through Covid-19, we will have a sector that is fit for purpose. The Minister of State is working with colleagues across Government but also with stakeholders within the sector to ensure that we can continue to meet those overall objectives. I will be sure to pass on the Senator's comments to the Minister of State.