Ms Cathy Mannion:

We completely agree with the Deputy about the devastating impact on the travel sector. It has had a difficult time, which we fully appreciate. Against that background, much of the industry was relicensed last year, which seems positive. They battened down the hatches and managed costs as well as they could.

Regarding this year, we are finding that for the most part, businesses are on top of their costs. They are hanging in there, waiting for something to improve. For many of these companies, bookings in the summer and the months afterwards are of vital importance. Even in the latest round, many people were licensed, which is positive. It gives me a feeling that they are managing the situation as well as they can. I know it is difficult for them but for the most part, they are doing their best to hang in there and to wait for an uptick in sales.