Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to redeploy unemployed Irish aviation staff into freight work such as the recent cargo flights to deliver medical supplies to India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23167/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I fully support ongoing efforts to deliver medical supplies to India during this very challenging time. My officials have expedited the necessary flight authorisations for a number of humanitarian cargo flights to India this week.

The staffing of such operations is an operational matter for the relevant airlines and airports.

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration given by his Department to the key recommendations of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum regulatory working group aviation restart plan 2021 in the context of planning for the recovery of the aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23174/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The aviation sector will continue to face a range of challenges over the coming months as the country continues to combat COVID-19. Though a protracted recovery is likely, the progress of our national vaccination programme and those of our European and other international partners will be key to recovery. 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. Though we are not yet positioned to restart aviation, we are preparing the ground for when we can. Until then, Government will continue to provide support to the aviation sector. It is estimated that over An estimated €200 million in operational supports for Irish airlines and airports, have already been made available under the range of schemes provided by Goverment.

Getting international travel back up and running is vital for the continued economic well-being of this country and remains a priority for the Government. However, this can only be accomplished at a time that is safe to do so, and with public health advice fully considered.

The Government welcomes the recent restart and recovery report produced by the aviation industry participants of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF). The report contains many recommendations for consideration across Government and requires engagement across all relevant Government Departments and consultation with public health authorities, which is now underway. As part of the ongoing process, I have written to the NCADF seeking additional information and clarity on the operational readiness of the sector regarding a resumption of international travel, including detail on how passengers will travel through our airports in a safe and COVID-19 compliant manner.