Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response

Impact of Covid-19: SME Recovery

Photo of Imelda MunsterImelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I turn to something that is starting to come to the fore. Mr. Moran represents small and medium-sized businesses. We are all looking to encourage people, through the staycation campaign, to holiday in Ireland.

Issues have been flagged recently regarding the many people, particularly families, who were quite stunned by what hotels quoted them for a short break. We are aware that hotels, and the tourism industry in particular, have been hit but families have been hit also. I have heard of quotes of €1,400 for a three-night stay in bed and breakfast accommodation. One could get to anywhere in Europe for a week or ten days for that sort of money. In the longer term, it is important that people do not feel they are being charged exorbitant amounts while being asked to stay at home for their holidays. If they are, it will do the hotel industry serious damage. If people feel they are being charged excessively for hotel stays when they feel they are doing the right thing by not travelling abroad, there is surely a point to be considered. Does Mr. Moran have an opinion on this? It will do the hotel industry damage in the long run if people feel they are being ripped off for staying at home. It is certainly not value for money for them or their families. Maybe Mr. Moran would have an opinion on whether hotels would be wise not to charge excessive rates for families in the forthcoming months.