Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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151. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to assist the airline industry to operate between all European countries, keeping in mind the need to observe Covid-19 restrictions but facilitating necessary travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36095/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is fully alert to the devastating impact of the global pandemic on international travel and values the critical role that aviation plays in the Irish economy. It is expected that it may be some time before it is possible to permit a large scale return to air travel, but I am committed to ensuring that the aviation sector can maintain the necessary core capability to retain strategic connectivity and to quickly rebound when circumstances allow.

The Government has agreed a revised €80m funding package for Irish aviation. In recognition of the very difficult winter season being faced by the aviation sector the Government has decided to provide more supports, in addition to those announced in Budget 2021.

To better facilitate international travel, Government has also decided to implement the EU “traffic light” classification system which categorises EU Member States and regions inside Member States as red, orange or green, based on the number of cases of COVID-19 present in that respective location. Government also agreed that, in accordance with an EU Recommendation, travellers with an essential function or need should not be required to undergo restricted movement or testing while exercising this essential function.

Government’s priority remains to best protect the health and safety of all those living in Ireland.