Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to touch on tourism. One of the greatest threats to tourism and hospitality at the moment is the skills shortage. We know that a significant part of the problem is working conditions. The committee recently heard from union representatives and some of what they said made for very disturbing listening.

In correspondence with the committee, the Minister said that working conditions in the hospitality sector are ultimately a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, she said she was concerned about issues that would negatively impact on tourism enterprises. We heard some horrific stories. The committee is trying to do work on this issue. It does not help that the Minister is not taking much of a part in it and is automatically deferring to her colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, the Minister has said she has concerns about issues that would negatively impact the tourism sector. Did she meet the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on this? Did she have a conversation? If so, what was that conversation? Has she raised it?