Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for addressing the issue. He detailed a number of points of information, details of which it would be useful to have, in respect of private jets and Senator Gavan's recommendation. That is exactly what points to why a report is needed in this area. We need to be honest about the fact that Ireland is one of the major hubs for aircraft leasing. Ireland has a significant aviation sector, including private aviation, and it needs examination. The Minister of State has made the case for the report suggested in Senator Gavan's recommendation by pointing to the number of things that need to be examined in terms of what constitutes a private jet and what levels of activity are taking place. This is an area in respect of which we need to start gathering information, even in advance of whatever policy we may choose to bring in on the back of that. However, the information gathering is certainly needed.

The Minister of State mentioned that the potential changes to aviation kerosene tax relief at EU level under Fit for 55 are contentious. What position is Ireland taking in the discussions on that matter?