We had devastating breaking news at lunchtime that Aer Lingus, having operated its Shannon base for seven decades, has announced it will now permanently close its base there, with 81 cabin crew offered severance or transfer to its Dublin base and a similar impact for the 45 ground crew. I ask the State to intervene in this matter for jobs, for connectivity and for our region. This is absolutely devastating beyond belief. I ask that from the heart of the Government the Taoiseach says something positive today about engagement and how he and the Cabinet can lead and negotiate with Aer Lingus. We need them in the region. We need that connectivity out of Shannon Airport.

I fully accept the Deputy's point about the absolute necessity to engage and to get international travel back up and running again. International connectivity is vital for the economic well-being of the country and remains a priority for the Government. I assure the Deputy of that. The news today coming from Shannon is very sad. Regarding Cork and other areas, travel has been at rock bottom and at very low levels. Developments in this regard are ongoing, and next week the Government will decide on the broader issue of travel and participation in the digital green certificate. We are making progress on that front, and that is central to the plan for reopening later in the summer in respect of the aviation industry.