27 Oct 2020, 18:48
The Committee on Transport and Communications Networks will hear from Chief Medical Officer and Chair of Nphet, Dr Tony Holohan next week to discuss the air travel advice in place for passengers. This forms part of a series of hearings the Transport Committee is holding on the crisis in the aviation industry which has been devastated by Covid-19, and the air travel restrictions in place.
HIQA’s recently published report into rapid testing will form a key part of the Committee’s discussions with Dr. Holohan.
Dr Holohan has accepted the committee’s invitation and agreed to attend a meeting of TDs and Senators next Tuesday, 3rd November to discuss the current air travel advice in place and the potential for Covid-19 testing at airports.
Committee Chair Kieran O’Donnell TD said: “The Committee is pleased that Dr Holohan has accepted our invitation and agreed to attend and address issues around current air travel advice and the potential for Covid-19 testing at airports.
“Specifically, the Committee will be holding this meeting with Dr Holohan in the context of the recent approval by Cabinet to introduce the new EU Air Traffic Light System as well as recognising pre-departure testing from 8th November. HIQA’s recently published report into rapid testing will form a key part of our discussions with Dr. Holohan.
“The Members are also inviting the Minister for Transport before it next week, to address the same issues.
The Committee’s deliberations on the aviation sector will continue tomorrow, Wednesday, 28th October, when it hears from representatives of Ryanair and Aer Lingus at 11.30am. Watch live here. The Committee will hear from representatives of Shannon Group, Rome Airport and the daa which operates Dublin and Cork airports tomorrow afternoon in Committee Room 2 at 3pm with witnesses appearing remotely. Watch live here.
The meeting with Dr Holohan takes place next Tuesday in Committee Room 3 at 11am. Watch live here.