Matt Shanahan called for Ireland to press for Single European Skies to cut aviation emissions and slash flight delays. He urged the Department of Climate and the Department of Transport to lead and make Ireland's voice heard on Open Skies in Europe.
Main demand
Shanahan pressed the minister to back a cohesive, integrated air traffic control system across Europe and to champion the Single European Skies/Open Skies policy. He argued that Ireland should take a lead role in pushing the measure at EU level.
Evidence cited
He referenced a visit by President von der Leyen and a briefing to the Transport Committee by the CEO of Ryanair. He said the Ryanair CEO outlined that Open Skies could deliver a 20% emissions dividend for European aviation and achieve a 90% reduction in flight delays.
Obstacle identified
Shanahan blamed vested interests for blocking delivery of an integrated air traffic control system, citing France and Germany in particular as standing in the way of implementation.
Minister's response
The minister responded that the line ministers are supportive of the Single European Skies initiative, have been engaging with counterparts around Europe and have been setting out the Irish position at the relevant Council meeting. The minister said they will continue to do so.
Policy focus and implications
Shanahan framed the debate around measurable outcomes - emissions reduction and fewer delays - and called for coordinated action by the Department of Climate and the Department of Transport to ensure Ireland's voice influences EU aviation policy.
We publish thousands of recordings to make Irish politics transparent and resistant to manipulation. Spotted an error? Report it — together we are building a reliable archive of Irish politics.
Margaret Lascuncola. Minister, we had the visit of President von der Leyen here last week, as you know, and she gave an inspirational speak where she highlighted the importance of Ireland's voice in Europe and that when Ireland spoke, Europe listened. We had the CEO of Ryanair into the Transport Committee last week who outlined that the Open Skies European Policy, if implemented, would deliver an emissions dividend of 20% to the European aviation sector and would achieve a 90% reduction in flight delays. And to do that, what is required is a cohesive and an integrated air traffic control system across Europe, which is not being delivered because of vested interests primarily in France and Germany particularly. Minister, will the Department of Climate and the Department of Transport now take a lead and let Ireland's voice be heard in Europe in terms of delivering open skies? Minister, we have heard a lot about reducing the herd number in Ireland. I think this would be a viable area now for the Department of Justice, a 20% reduction in aviation emissions. Minister, Minister to respond. Thank you very much, Deputy Shannon. My understanding is that the Line Minister, Minister Naughton and Minister Ryan are supportive of Single European Skies initiative, have been engaging with counterparts from around Europe and have been setting out the Irish position at the relevant Council meeting and will continue to do so. Thank you very much.
Thank you for downloading 🙏
If you publish this material on social media, we would be very grateful if you tagged VideoParliament. It helps us reach more people and keep building a transparent archive of Irish politics.
