Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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942. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have had discussions with airlines based here in relation to the Covid-19 induced crisis in the airline business; if assistance has been sought by the airlines; if the airlines have indicated an intention to scale back their operations here particularly to and from airports other than Dublin; if they indicated if they plan changing the working conditions of staff as well as downsizing; if they sought assistance, financial or otherwise from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9178/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Officials and I have maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders, including the airlines, with regard to a range of COVID-19 related issues. A number of airlines have indicated a need for financial support to assist with immediate cash flow concerns, or with potential liquidity issues likely to arise should the disruption continue throughout the summer months. 

The Government has brought forward a series of measures to support all businesses impacted by COVID-19. These include the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Pandemic Unemployment Benefit, three month commercial rates waiver, the Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises, a Credit Guarantee Scheme to support lending to SMEs, and warehousing of tax liabilities for a defined period.

Due to the severity of the crisis on the industry, many aviation companies have had to consider arrangements for restructuring and downsizing of their operations in order to ensure continued viability into the future. Decisions of this nature should be taken following consultation and negotiation with staff and their representative organisations. The industrial relations machinery of the State would be available to assist all parties concerned.