Ms Elaina Fitzgerald Kane:

Some 270,000 people, whole livelihoods and whole communities are dependent on tourism and hospitality. We have delivered before. We were the number one creator in the aftermath of the last financial crisis, although it was a very different crisis. The supports are critical now but as the hope of reopening is being pushed out, there is a need to increase those supports. Equally, while we have been assured of no cliff edge, we need a sense that these measures will be in place until the end of March 2022. This is what it will take to actually get back to walking on our feet; not running.

The biggest measure of success now is to bring 270,000 people back to work sustainably. We have the legacy from last year. The outlook is so poor and there is such little hope. These are the words that have been used a few times. It is the hopes of people around staycations, the hopes of wedding couples, and it is the 270,000 people in our industry. I want to reaffirm that what is needed is commitment around supports, a sense of confidence from the Government, the commitment to the vaccination programme and a sustainable roadmap built on engagement that recognises the scale of decimation.

I thank the committee for all of its efforts and for its continued support. It really makes such a difference.