Dublin Fingal TD for Fine Gael, Alan Farrell has urged the Government to put in place initiatives that will protect jobs in Aer Lingus.
Deputy Farrell said, “No sector of the economy has been exempt from the economic fallout during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the aviation industry has been particularly impacted as international travel ground to a halt. Moreover, travel to and from Ireland is likely to be slow to recover in the absence of an available vaccine.”
“I am pleased that the Minister Humphreys and her Department are engaging with Aer Lingus and their workers with regard to welfare support, this is something that must be encouraged, and further supports will be necessary.”
Deputy Farrell continued, “The Aviation Recovery Taskforce recently published their report into what is required for the short, medium and long-term health of the industry and I would urge the Minister for Transport , Eamon Ryan to consider those recommendations.”
“The aviation industry employs 140,000 people in Ireland and facilitates a crucial aspect of our economy, from tourism to imports and exports. We need a vibrant and strong aviation sector in Ireland. As an island economy stable and reliable access to the wider international market place is fundamental to the economic success of the country. Core to this will be maintaining as many routes as possible.”
“Ireland is not unique in this situation, other European countries have acted to support their national airlines in recent months, including a German bailout of Lufthansa, and in France and the Netherlands with regard to Air France – KLM, which saw substantial loans and guarantees provided”.
Deputy Farrell added, “By acting quickly and effectively, now, we can avoid some of the worst outcomes that the pandemic has presented for the aviation industry.”