David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Just to add to that, Deputy Butler spoke about tourism in Waterford. After the last economic crash, some regions in the south east had to look at rebuilding, specifically Waterford but also working with Wexford and Kilkenny. It was done on the back of tourism as one of the key economic drivers. Unfortunately, the south east had a very difficult time following the last recession. We are now faced with a tsunami as revenues collapsed across the board. In the tourism sector, unfortunately, the south east is disproportionately hit. We need a sectoral response and strategy and a bespoke solution for tourism.

I thank Mr. Cribben for stating what he sees as the key ingredients in the plan. I will move to Mr. Cummins, if I can. He made an interesting point in his opening statement, which he might like to expand on. He stated:

Some say the market will take care of itself and that unviable businesses will fail. How does one tell a third-generation family business in the hospitality sector in Waterford, Kilkenny, Monaghan, Dublin, Cork or any other part of Ireland that, through no fault of its own, it must fail[?]

I agree with that and I have said for a long time that if we just take a simple market approach, it is not going to work. Mr. Cummins outlined the challenges in his opening statement. The second was insurance companies not paying out on business interruption claims. What interaction has Mr. Cummins had with the Department on that issue and what does he see as the solution to the problem?

Mr. Cummins spoke about landlords seeking full rent for the period of closure and said 75% of landlords were looking for full payment. That is the anecdotal evidence I am getting back as well. It seems the Department and Government are saying we have to depend on the good will of landlords. Depending on the good will of landlords does not seem to be working. We are appealing to landlords to do the right thing but it is quite obvious from the figures Mr. Cummins has given that they have not done the right thing. What recommendation has the Restaurants Association of Ireland made to Government to deal with this in a more proactive and practical way?