Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

This is the first debate on tourism in the Thirty-third Dáil. Previously, it would have been difficult to imagine that we would be having this type of debate. I accept that a crystal ball is required to some degree in terms of what is likely to be the timeline for dealing with this virus in a way whereby we will not be talking about it because it is in the past. We must ensure that businesses get back to operating, but do so safely. A message comes out of that as well because it reflects on the country in terms of a place to visit for people who will want to come here. We are looking at places such as New Zealand, which dealt very well with the coronavirus. It has almost highlighted that country from that point of view.

The other issue is that we must ensure people are able to return to work and that there is the least amount of permanent damage to a very important sector of our economy. I have listened to Members talk about different parts of the country and how tourism is different. The hospitality and tourism sector reaches into every part of the country. Fáilte Ireland says it is a €9.4 billion industry employing 260,000 people. That is absolutely enormous. Now, many people are out of work and some of them are lucky to be on the subsidy scheme. Some businesses are staying open even though I do not believe it is entirely viable. For example, one sees restaurants doing a take-out service. There should not be a disadvantage to them if it comes to a rates relief because often it is about keeping somebody employed, keeping suppliers and maintaining that chain. Small things like that are going to be important and we should not disadvantage them.

It will be essential that the task force the Minister of State spoke about is not exclusively about the business side, the Department and organisations such as Fáilte Ireland. The employee side is critical.

There are some very vulnerable employees in the hospitality sector. Very often, they are temporary workers or low-skilled workers. There are many women employed in the sector. It is important that the recovery be just. I am supportive of alterations to VAT and excise duty but they must recognise that if we are all in this together, very vulnerable workers must also be included. We will want to see their jobs back. There will have to be job-rich growth when there is a return.

Some measures are being criticised by stakeholders as unworkable. That is partly why we need a task force with practitioners from all dimensions who know the industry. It may be some time before the tourism sector is fully back. Concerts and sports events must be borne in mind in this regard. They are a big tourist draw. Essentially, they are at some considerable distance from having permission to safely return. Reopening a hotel without having the bar open might make reopening unviable. With sports clubs and golf clubs, it is the bar, amenities and societies that make them viable. Therefore, it is important to have the task force up and running as quickly as possible. The Minister of State might give us his thinking on that in his response.

There are small points that must also be considered. The Minister of State referred to space in his contribution. Quite an amount is paid to put chairs on the street. Nearly €1,000 is paid to put a table and four chairs on the street in the city centre. These matters will need to be addressed if space is to be provided. It will mean a loss of income for local authorities. The rates initiative will also mean a loss for them. There is a consequence to this. What dialogue is there between the Minister of State and the Minister responsible for local government? What is being thought about? The loss of income has a knock-on effect with regard to some of the initiatives local authorities can take in this sector. The Minister of State might address some of the points on the task force with regard to employees and rates.

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