Opposition parties have criticised the junior transport minister's appearance at a business aviation conference, saying Fianna Fáil is "talking out of both sides of their mouth". James Lawless last week gave the opening address at the conference of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA), which counts a number of private jet charter companies among its members. In his speech to the meeting at the K Club in Co Kildare, Mr Lawless said "while often perceived as symbols of luxury, business aviation also serves critical functions" in terms of "efficiency and flexibility" and said aviation should become sustainable by 2050.
He added "business aviation contributes to the tourism industry by facilitating high-end travel experience, supporting local employment, and driving economic activity" and said while aviation emissions account for 2.5% of overall emissions, this "carries far-reaching impact as these emissions contribute to global warming and climate change". However, the opposition has criticised the speech, with Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore saying the appearance was "yet another instance of Fianna Fáil talking out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to climate action".
We are in a climate emergency and the promotion of private jets for use by the elite and corporates is not something that any minister should be engaged in. It sends a very poor message, particularly when we are asking so much of ordinary people when it comes to climate acti.