Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
21. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department has taken to provide support for pilots who have not been able to fly for much of the year as a result of Covid-19; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a result many are facing not having the minimum flight hours to qualify for a pilot licence under EU legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35802/20]
View answer90. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the supports provided to the aviation sector during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35007/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 90 together.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has issued various blanket exemptions for existing licensed pilots in line with the European Union Aviaton Safety Agency (EASA) recommendations, subject to a detailed safety review and implementation of mitigating measures. These initial exemptions were detailed in IAA Aeronautical Notices P30 and P33 which pertained to the adoption of exemption measures aimed at extending the validity period of ratings, certificates and medical reports, as applicable, for flight crews, cabin crews, instructors and examiners, mechanics, air traffic controllers and aeromedical examiners. The exemptions from the EU regulations applied to operations taking place within a reference period between 1 March and 31 October 2020 and for a maximum period of eight months. Currently, the IAA is addressing any further exemption requests from pilots on a case-by-case basis.
The Government has made a significant level of Exchequer support available for the aviation sector. Many aviation companies continue to benefit from the economy-wide support measures that the Government put in place right from the very beginning of the pandemic, such as the the wage subsidy scheme, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities. Liquidity support has been made available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.
In Budget 2021 the Government made provision for €10m for Cork and Shannon airports while confirming a commitment of €21m under the Regional Airports Programme to support Knock, Kerry and Donegal airports.
In addition to the general COVID-19 supports and targeted aviation funding committed to in Budget 2021, The Government has agreed an €80 million funding package for aviation in recognition of the difficult winter faced by the sector and to support the retention of core connectivity. This includes operational and capital funding for airports and an Airport Charges Rebate Scheme for January to March 2021, subject to State Aid approval of the European Commission.
