Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response, and in particular, the last line of her response in which she stated that her Department is open and assessing options for further supports. At the launch in Cork of the Ryanair base and new flights, Mr. Eddie Wilson remarked that Dublin Airport could see a fall in Ryanair passenger numbers by 35% next summer, as the DAA traffic recovery scheme does not have the required funding from Government to incentivise air traffic recovery.

The important point is that we must all work towards air traffic recovery. I wish to compliment those in the DAA under Mr. Dalton Philips, the CEO of Cork Airport, Mr. Niall McCarthy, and all who work in our aviation sector. I also wish to compliment the Minister of State. This is an important piece of work that Government must continue to support. I appreciate the work that is being done, and has been done, by Government, the interventions made and the financial support provided. However, it is now critical. The Cathaoirleach is a fan of the USA. As we open up transatlantic travel, it is important that Ryanair, which has done its bit in Europe, is matched by Aer Lingus in transatlantic flights. I hope that we can see transatlantic flights departing from Cork. We have seen the paradigm shift with transatlantic flights departing from Cork with Norwegian Air. We must also ensure that Shannon gets its fair share. It is important for our island nation that our air traffic gets back to normal and to pre-Covid levels and that we support it. I know the Minister of State will do that. I thank her for being here today.