The Taskforce for Aviation Recovery has made its Final Report to the Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport, Mr Eamon Ryan, T.D. and to the Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Ms Hildegarde Naughton, T.D.
The Taskforce, which was chaired by Dr Chris Horn, has made 12 recommendations aimed at ensuring that air travel is reopened in a safe manner and that Ireland’s global connectivity can be recovered over the next number of years as part of the overall recovery of the Irish economy. The recommendations in the Report are presented as being focused on three key objectives:
1. Protecting Public Health and Rebuilding Consumer Confidence
2. Rebuilding Regional and International Connectivity
3. Saving Jobs and Supporting Irish Business
On receiving the Final Report, the Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport, Mr Eamon Ryan, T.D said:
I wish to thank Chris Horn and the Taskforce Members for the Final Report, which clearly sets out the contribution that aviation makes to the Irish economy and the scale of the financial and operational challenges the sector, is facing as a result of Covid-19. As the report acknowledges, there are difficult choices to be made, balancing public health with economic concerns. Aviation provides a large number of high value jobs, and it generates many more in the wider economy, and especially in the tourism sector. Protecting these jobs and people’s livelihoods is a priority for the Government. The Government is finalising plans to aid economic recovery, and the recommendations contained in this Report will contribute to our overall response to the aviation crisis.
The Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Ms Hildegarde Naughton, T.D. said:
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on our society and our economy, and the aviation sector has been badly affected. This Report is very timely and will assist the Government in finalising its approach to stimulating economic recovery and ensuring Ireland’s connectivity into the future. The recommendations are informed and measured, and I wish to thank the taskforce members for giving up their time and their expertise. Ireland is a global leader in aviation, and the Government is determined to ensure that it remains in that position. This report will assist us in that.