Aviation Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021

Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Questions (119, 131, 143, 144)

Joe Carey

Question:

119. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on all his engagement with airlines on the question of direct State support for this critical industry; if Ireland's international airlines will be supported in their efforts to withstand the devastating fallout from the pandemic with an injection of capital similar to the approach taken in other countries with a view to safeguarding the vital airline connectivity and employment that they provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10038/21]

Neale Richmond

Question:

131. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the supports he will provide to the aviation industry to support it through the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/21]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he sees a need to support Irish air transport having particular regard to the impact of Covid-19; his plans for measures to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10298/21]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he and his Department will continue to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on Irish owned and operated airlines given the extent to which other countries have had to support their airlines with obvious implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10299/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 131, 143 and 144 together.

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 amid these very challenging times. The EWSS higher subsidy rate will apply until 31 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.

Any additional supports designed to facilitate growth of air traffic can only be progressed at the appropriate time, taking account of the outlook for the easing of travel restrictions and improving wider epidemiological conditions.

I will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis in consultation with relevant Government Ministers and all key stakeholders.