Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

118. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the concerns of a person (details supplied) on the impact of the recent collapse of an airline on some cancer patients who must travel to Dublin for their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34626/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, Stobart Air held the contract for operating PSO air services on two routes between Dublin and the airports of Kerry and Donegal. The recent termination of its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus resulted in the cancellation of these services with immediate implications for users of the PSOs.

I can assure the Deputy that the restoration of regional connectivity, especially for patients who use these services to access cancer treatment in Dublin, is of critical importance to Government.

Work is already progressing to restore these air services, including on the Donegal/Dublin route. My Department launched an emergency procurement process on 21 June and the closing date for receipt of quotations from air carriers is Wednesday 30 June. Upon receipt of submissions, the evaluation process will commence immediately.

It is my hope that this procurement can be concluded by early July with a view to services re-commencing by the new operator(s) as soon as possible thereafter. The contract(s) will be subject to a maximum term of 7 months and will operate in accordance with EU law.

To mitigate against any further disruption to these services, my Department will shortly launch a procurement process for the continued provision of the services after the temporary arrangements have expired. This procurement process will provide for contracts of up to 4 years, in line with EU law, and will ensure the continuation of services to Donegal and Kerry Airport as they recover from the impacts of Covid.