There is a commitment in the programme for Government on the future of the aviation sector. We are an island nation and the sector is of essential strategic importance but it has been adversely affected by Covid-19. The approach of the industry in response to this has been to delay refunds and the issuing of vouchers to people who had flights cancelled, to charge exorbitant rescheduling fees for people adhering to the public health advice and to cut jobs and change the terms and conditions of workers. This is doing reputational damage to the sector and undermining public health advice and the public health effort.

Does the Tánaiste agree that this approach is unfair, unsustainable and unacceptable to workers and customers? What will the Government do to address this matter and to provide supports for customers and future sector needs?

I thank the Deputy for his question. I have been engaging with the airline sector over the past week and will continue to do so next week. I am very concerned about the aviation sector, including the consumers involved and the vindication of their rights. It is something I have been working on in my Department. I have also met representatives of travel agents but I will continue to engage with airlines.