Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Hughes and Mr. McDonnell for their contributions and presentations this morning. Following yesterday's announcement, could Mr. Hughes advise what consideration the Department is giving to further supports for the hospitality sector? I appreciate that both gentlemen outlined the supports that have been available over the past 18 months. Those supports have been welcome but there are anomalies and issues in that area. I am on the ground and have a fair bit of experience of the sector.

Under the current criteria, someone who took a restart grant was ineligible for further supports under the CRSS. Many businesses impacted by yesterday's announcement will have received restart grants but are now being closed once more. One of the issues for the hospitality sector is that it is losing experienced and qualified staff. That is the biggest fear. I was talking to business owners this morning and their biggest fear is that if further restrictions and measures are imposed, irreplaceable staff will leave the sector. Qualified and experienced staff will not continue to work in this industry with such uncertainty. The restoration of certain PUP rates needs to be looked at. Yesterday's announcement has put a totally different perspective on the hospitality sector. It is totally unacceptable for senior Ministers to be encouraging people to leave the hospitality sector and get another job. I will be making that point again later. It is not good enough. Is the Department examining these issues? Is there a change in mindset after yesterday's announcement? I will wait for Mr. Hughes to respond.