Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair for facilitating my contribution this afternoon. I thank the representatives from the Vintners Federation of Ireland, the Licensed Vintners Association, the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation their excellent presentations. As Senator Cassells stated, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, was before the Seanad yesterday and, as a fourth generation publican, I proposed a training programme for the entire hospitality sector. As was alluded to in earlier contributions, there will be big staff shortages when we reopen. The Minister assured me that would happen. To state the obvious, we must open all pubs on the same date, as well as the entire hospitality sector. Naturally, as we move forward, we need an increase in the financial supports. Personally, I am working with the Government in respect of the implementation of minimum unit pricing under the alcohol Bill, which is for the betterment of all our people.

Moving to insurance, I commend Noel Anderson and three other vintners across the country on taking on the might of the insurance industry and getting a successful outcome in recent weeks. That is welcome for all business people. We have seen the frustration of the industry and the hospitality sector at the way insurance companies have carried on over the last number of years. With regard to the banks, to say they have been abysmal is putting it mildly. I have contacted the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, and the Department of Finance about this issue. The insurance reform group is working on it. It is critical that the insurance issue is addressed, as has been outlined with regard to the costs of the hospitality sector.

All of those involved in the hospitality sector have called for a roadmap to bring certainty to the current situation. As Mr. Cribben stated, we are not looking for a date. What we are seeking is that by the end of June 80% will be vaccinated and by the end of July in excess of 80% will have both vaccinations. That will give us the certainty we require.

Finally, I assure the hospitality sector that it has my full support and the support of the Government to reopen and get up and running successfully at the earliest opportunity.