Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his attendance and time. The role of content moderator is very challenging. Ms Isabella Plunkett told the committee last week of the effect it had had on her personally and how it had started to have serious impacts on her life outside her job. She described the horrible dreams she has and the anguish it causes her, and stated she has had to take the step of taking antidepressants. Dealing daily with hate speech, racism, images of child exploitation is not a job that anyone should have to do but, unfortunately, it is necessary.

In my opinion, there is a moral responsibility on Facebook to ensure, at the very least, that content moderators are very well looked after. Facebook is one of the richest companies in the world, worth almost $1 trillion. It is clear it can well afford to treat staff equally and ensure proper supports are in place well beyond weekly wellness sessions, and to pay them fairly. If the Tánaiste gets an opportunity in the coming weeks to view a recording of last week's meeting, I encourage him to do so. The culture of fear that Ms Plunkett described, with content moderators afraid to speak out due to non-disclosure agreements, is quite frankly sickening. I strongly urge the Government to take action, meet representatives of Facebook and demand it immediately address the issue. I welcome the Tánaiste's comments that he intends to meet the company. If possible, will he outline when he expects that to happen?

Everybody I speak to in hospitality, SMEs or the wider economy acknowledges the substantial and unprecedented supports the Government has put in place while also recognising that despite these supports, thousands of businesses throughout the country remain under significant pressure due to a crisis not of their making. I have concerns about the debt that businesses are carrying, particularly in the case of SMEs. The debt warehousing scheme is a very welcome initiative that will improve short-term cash flow for SMEs. There is no question but that the scheme is very welcome but the timeframe of 12 months is a short period in which to resolve cash flow issues as we emerge from the pandemic, and that needs to be examined. I appreciate that outstanding liabilities can be paid off following three years at a relatively low interest rate of 3%, but it would save SMEs having to go to financial institutions, where it is difficult to get funding, if the 12-month period could be extended to 24 months. I would appreciate hearing the Tánaiste's views on that.

The employment wage subsidy scheme is scheduled to run until the end of June. It has been run at considerable expense to the State but strong consideration needs to be given to extending it until, at the minimum, the end of September and possibly beyond.

I speak to business owners in Galway city every day. The scheme is essential for restaurants, hotels and bars, as it gives them the opportunity to rebuild while limiting their expenses. All members want businesses to survive, rebound from the crisis and develop and grow again. If we can make the extra investment now, it may prove to be the difference needed for thousands of businesses across the country to get back on their feet and give them the window of opportunity to ensure they can become sustainable before supports are removed.