Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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117. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the proposal by a union (details supplied) for an aviation income support scheme similar to the scheme in place in Germany that enables employers to reduce hours rather than lay off staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10014/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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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, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme.

As regards supports specifically targeted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the COVID-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in these very challenging times. 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.

The Government is aware of concerns that have been raised regarding the pace of recovery for the aviation sector, and that it has been suggested that the level of support be increased and/or that the application of some new State supports should be delineated on the basis of explicit sectoral qualification criteria. However, the reality of Covid-19 is that our whole economy and labour market have been rapidly transformed by this unprecedented shock and many sectors have been negatively impacted.

It is likely that continued support will be necessary out to the end of 2021 to help maintain employment and to provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible. Decisions on the form of support, including for aviation, will take account of emerging circumstances and economic conditions as they become clearer.