Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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139. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of intervention he will take in respect of State airports in the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; and his plans to introduce another round of financial assistance to State airports in 2021 and 2022. [5900/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses in response to the Covid crisis. Many of these supports, including the commercial rates waiver and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, have been extended into 2021. The State airports – Dublin, Cork and Shannon – continue to avail of these supports.  

In addition, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances being faced by airports and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, the Government announced a €80m funding package specifically for Irish aviation in November 2020, which includes funding for State airports in 2021.

As part of that package, €32.1 million has been allocated to a new funding programme for the State airports of Cork and Shannon.  Applications for capital grants under this programme have been received from both airports and are currently being reviewed by my Department. 

My Department  has also sought approval from the European Commission for additional schemes to help compensate airports for the damage caused by COVID.  Once approved, all airports that deliver connectivity - Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry and Donegal - will be invited to apply for supports under these schemes from a budget of €26 million. 

I will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments.  The need for any potential additional intervention will be kept under review in this context.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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140. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of intervention he will take in respect of airlines in the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; and if he plans to offer a financial assistance package to carriers. [5901/21]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if matters raised by a person (details supplied) in correspondence will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5998/21]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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150. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional and specific supports he will put in place for workers in the aviation sector in response to the increased restrictions on international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6005/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 140, 148 and 150 together.

My Department is monitoring the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments.

The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in the aviation sector. The supports include the wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, tax clawback, the covid restriction support scheme, the credit guarantee scheme, and the SBCI working capital scheme.

As regards supports specifically targetted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the covid crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in the midst of these very challenging times. The EWSS higher subsidy rate will apply until 31st March 2021. The scheme will continue during 2021 and the Government will decide on the form of its extension when economic conditions are clearer, guided by what the economy requires at that time to support the expected economic recovery.

In November, the Government also agreed a revised €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. My Department is currently engaging with the European Commission regarding formal approval of this package which will be implemented in line with EU State aid rules.