Ms Elaina Fitzgerald Kane:

Mr. O'Mara Walsh correctly alluded to the cap that would assist with the current and unprecedented humanitarian crisis and equally with stopping the stall, if one was to call it that, in tourism recovery. Before 24% of current bed stock was allocated to refugees and those seeking international asylum, the reality was that we were expecting tourism recovery in 2026. That will, potentially, be pushed out again. It is incredible to think that with all the efforts that have been made to restore connectivity to the island and deal with pent-up and deferred demand, tourism recovery is so far away. That is despite people's best efforts. We have to look at that.

We have all heard stories of communities, many of which are along the Wild Atlantic Way, and how local infrastructure has been decimated. When hotel beds are occupied, some of them are 100% occupied in villages and towns, as Mr. Fenn correctly alluded to, it impacts on everything, including the local shop and the hairdresser. It is incredible to see the impact. The winter will be very long, and it really reiterates the need for some continuity supports that acknowledge the impact Government contracts have had on the local communities because, ultimately, livelihoods and businesses will be lost. We will be in a very difficult position when it comes to repurposing those hotel bedrooms. People will be fundamentally changing their business model when they move from Government contracts and try to get back into the tourism economy. The most difficult part of that will not be the physical aspect; it will the aspect relating to people and skills. It will be very difficult. I am very worried about the impact it will have in the context of getting back to a sustainable place in tourism recovery. It has to be addressed.