Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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149. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the airlines that have in 2020 and 2021 sought financial support as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; the amount of financial support sought by each airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6004/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is monitoring the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments.

The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in aviation. The supports include the extended wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, and deferred tax liabilities. To date, over €100 million in operational support has been made available under these schemes for Irish airports and airlines. Liquidity support is also available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.

In November, the Government also agreed a revised €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. My Department is currently engaging with the European Commission regarding formal approval of this package which will be implemented in line with EU State aid rules.

It remains open to airlines to engage directly with the relevant agencies concerned with a view to drawing down such supports. The amount of any funding sought by each airline would be a commercial matter for the airlines concerned.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he plans to use the proceeds of the sale of the State's shares in a company (details supplied) now contained in the connectivity fund to protect and enhance Ireland's air connectivity given the damage the pandemic will do in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6006/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Exchequer received €335 million in September 2015 for its 25.1% shareholding in Aer Lingus.

These proceeds were invested in a new ‘Connectivity Fund’ as a sub-portfolio of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). The Minister for Finance sought Oireachtas approval for the proceeds to be paid into this fund in accordance with Section 46(2) of the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2014. This further investment strengthened ISIF’s capacity to support economic investment.

The Connectivity Fund is designed to support projects which enhance Ireland’s physical, virtual or energy connectivity. The management and control of the fund is a matter for the NTMA.