I again raise the issue of Shannon Airport. Last week, the airport was served a hammer blow by Aer Lingus when the airline announced that it was closing its permanent cabin crew base there. Government Deputies in the region met the Taoiseach last Thursday regarding this issue. At that meeting, the Taoiseach committed to meeting representatives of Aer Lingus to seek a reversal of this decision. Obviously, the Government is in discussions now with the airline, which is looking for a cash injection, a bailout or call it what you will. It is important that this cabin crew base is retained in Shannon Airport and that this is part of any deal reached with Aer Lingus, along with the airline's strategic routes which provide connectivity for business and tourism. I ask the Taoiseach to update the House regarding the talks. Did the Taoiseach meet with representatives of Aer Lingus and if so what was the outcome?

I did meet the CEO of Aer Lingus. The Deputy is correct that I met with him, Deputy Cathal Crowe and all the Deputies and Senators from the region. That meeting served to convey the sense of urgency and importance that public representatives in the mid-west, and in Limerick and Clare especially, feel about this issue, as well as the need for action concerning Shannon more generally and in respect of regional connectivity. I made it clear to Aer Lingus that the Government's priority is regional connectivity. Yesterday's decision by the European Council confirming the introduction of the digital green certificate in respect of Covid-19 to facilitate travel is an important development. The Government will be considering this and wider issues concerning the support of the aviation sector, via airlines and airports, in the coming days and next week. It is an issue which is really up there in terms of Government priorities.