Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
229. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will put additional financial supports in place for the aviation sector in the wake of Covid-19 given recent announcements by airlines of further job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12784/21]
View answer263. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce an income support scheme for workers in the aviation industry along the lines of the scheme introduced in Germany which enables employers to reduce hours rather than laying off staff and provides up to 60% income replacement for the time employees cannot work; the analysis his Department has carried out into the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13553/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 263 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 and has been extended to the end of June 2021
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. The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €26 million Irish aid scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by the coronavirus outbreak and the travel restrictions imposed by Ireland to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The aid consists of three measures: a damage compensation measure; an aid measure to support the airport operators up to a maximum of €1.8 million per beneficiary; and an aid measure to support the uncovered fixed costs of these companies. The aid will take the form of direct grants.
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.
