On a point of order-----

The Senator should acknowledge in the context of American aviation being fully reopened, transatlantic travel has not been reopened by the American aviation authority.

Let us be clear. If we are going to have a debate on aviation, let us do it on the basis of the facts and not on the basis of dúirt bean liom go ndúirt bean léi.

The Senator did not offend me but if he wants to have a debate he should have it on the basis of the facts. The American aviation authority has not opened international travel to Europe.

European passengers cannot travel to the United States of America-----

Let us have a debate on the facts.

We will be fair to him. The Cathaoirleach represents an area where tourism is affected and he should be supporting his area as well.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to the House. Like Senator Dooley, I welcome the Minister's contribution and her decision to seek a pilot on antigen testing. I agree with other speakers that this should have been done by NPHET as part of the review of the Ferguson report. Those of us who are members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications recognise the importance of aviation and understand that a whole-of-government approach is needed. This is not just a matter for the Mi…

I welcome the Minister of State. I endorse what Senator Timmy Dooley has said. It is imperative and incumbent upon the Government to ensure we maintain connectivity as an island nation. It is time for a real hands-on approach from the Government to engage with an all-embracing travel and aviation sector, and that includes the airlines, the airports, the staff, the travel agents, hospitality and tourism. This is not just about Senator Dooley and I looking to protect Cork and Shannon airports and the staff, who have …

The Minister of State's response in itself was fantastic but, as Senator Dooley rightly said, we now need the aviation recovery task force to be re-established with a clear remit. As the Minister of State correctly stated, it will take time to drive a plan for the recovery of the aviation sector.

For the benefit of the House, why has no Member of the Upper House been included in that delegation?

Gabh mo leithscéal. Sorry, I did not hear that.

The Senator just did get ratty.

There is.

The Senator is not a virgin Member of the House-----

He did ask permission.

I welcome the Minister of State. Irish Community Air Ambulance, formerly known as Irish Community Rapid Response, was formed in Rathcoole in north Cork 23 months ago. In that time, it has been tasked close to 1,000 times by the National Ambulance Service. In 2020, it was tasked 490 times and so far in 2021, it has been tasked 225 times. This exemplifies the range of services the organisation provides and the dedication of its crew and the staff. The number of tasks in which Irish Community Air Ambulance has engaged…

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I am happy to work with him and colleagues from across the Houses, and especially with Deputies Creed and Moynihan, in respect of the Irish Community Air Ambulance organisation. The fundamental issue here is the €320,000 in VAT being paid by a charitable body to the State, when the organisation in question is tasked with being called out at all hours. Last Friday, we debated the Acting Chair's motion on search and rescue services. This Commencement matter is also about s…

I welcome the Minister of State. My colleague and friend, Senator O’Donovan, was right in what he said about the wrecks off the Cork coast. Action needs to be taken. Also, regarding our fishermen, there was a protest at the Port of Cork last weekend. There is growing concern and disquiet among our fishermen about their treatment and plight. This important legislation requires greater scrutiny on Committee Stage and this debate is helpful. If we cast our minds back to 1959 and then forward to today, notwithstanding …

I welcome the Minister to the House to speak to this very important motion. I welcome the Government's decision to sign up to the European Union's digital Covid certificate. The vast majority of us welcome the return of international travel with a caveat. There is a lot of hypocrisy on the part of members of the media and members of the Opposition who had a silver bullet in their arsenal in January and February, and all of a sudden they have changed tack again. That is the joy of being in opposition. To be fair to …