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Committee on Transport and Communications Networks Aviation Report urges pre-departure testing ahead of the upcoming Christmas period

9 Dec 2020, 11:35

With just over two weeks to go until Christmas and after eight days of hearings with key stakeholders, the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks has today published its Aviation report which urges pre-departure testing to be in place in advance of the festive period.

“As we begin to see green shoots emerge in terms of a vaccine and as Christmas fast approaches, and  recognising the unprecedented challenges facing the aviation industry, the Committee has prioritised Aviation in its work and the situation has rapidly evolved over the two months since the Committee began its hearings with 20 expert witnesses. The industry must be at the fore as the country re-opens”, explained Chairman Kieran O’Donnell TD.

The report, Issues affecting the Aviation Industry, can be viewed as attached, examined three main areas of concern to ensure the recovery and sustainability of this important sector; Impact of Covid-19 on the Aviation Sector; airport testing and the EU Traffic Light system and the Medium term policy approach to developing Irish aviation sector.

Chair O’Donnell said: “Aviation was the first item on our work programme. The Committee has made 20 key recommendations within the Report which are both practical and achievable and is fully committed to monitoring the progress being made on the on-going implementations of the recommendations contained in this Report.”

The Committee heard from a wide range of witnesses, encompassing airlines, airports in Ireland and abroad, aviation sector worker representatives and representatives from the travel industry: Aer Lingus, Aeroporti di Roma, Connect Trade Union, daa, Department of Transport, European Commission Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, Donegal Airport, Fórsa, IAA, IALPA, Ireland West Airport, Irish Travel Agents Association, Kerry Airport, Taskforce on Aviation Recovery, Limerick Chamber of Commerce, NPHET, Ryanair, Shannon Group, SIPTU.

Chair O’Donnell concluded: “Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on airports, airlines, employees and the wider tourism and hospitality sector. This report also examines the implementation of the EU wide traffic light system and considers the evidence regarding testing and other protocols to ensure safe air travel, based on evidence gathered from meetings with airports, NPHET and the European Commission. Finally, the report looks to the medium term and considers the policies and strategies required to ensure balanced recovery and growth for the sector.”

The key recommendations include:

  • That the Government continue to work with the IAA and safety regulators across Europe to implement the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control health and safety protocols aboard aircraft and monitor their effectiveness
  • That the Government provide all necessary support to ensure that PCR testing is priced competitively and affordably. Passengers should not have to pay more than €50 per test
  • Similar pre-departure testing requirements apply for travellers from “orange” and “red” regions
  • That the Government accelerates the validation studies in respect of rapid antigen testing and its potential use for inbound or outbound travellers at Ireland’s airports
  • That validated pre-departure antigen testing is mandatory for passengers arriving from “orange” and “red” countries
  • That the Government develop an immediate traffic light system for countries outside of the EU
  • The immediate advancement of further necessary state supports to Irish airports to ensure their viability and survival, as well as state funding for strategic air routes. Furthermore, that the Government engages with the European Commission to seek a derogation from State Aid rules for emergency funding to Irish airports.
  • That the Airport Charges Rebate Scheme be extended to September 2021, with a review or scaling down thereafter.
  • That the link between employers and employees in the aviation sector continues to be maintained through the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and other state supports as necessary. EWSS continues through 2021 until a clear growth trajectory is re-established.
  • That the new Regional Airports Programme be finalised in order to give certainty to regional airports as they plan for re-establishing growth and sustainability. Furthermore, that Cork and Shannon Airports be admitted to the 2020 to 2025 programmes for CapEX & OpEx.
  • That a new National Aviation Policy must be developed and given priority by Government
  • The re-establishment of a State Airports Authority, encompassing Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports, to lead the recovery in a balanced way that will benefit the entire country. The CIE model is favoured by the Committee, where the three state transport companies operate under the overall umbrella of the parent company.

For more information about the work of the Committee on Transport and Communications Networks, see the Committee webpage

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