Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The last six months have been extremely difficult for many businesses. Business owners and employees recognise that they had a part to play in flattening the curve, and supports were put in place at that time. As the restrictions were lifted some businesses were in a position to reopen, but in many cases they still need supports. Others are still unable to open and many people are still out of work with no prospect of returning any time soon.

One sector that has little prospect of reopening soon is the entertainment and hospitality sector. Hundreds of theatres, venues, clubs, festivals and events of all sizes have been silent since March. The entertainment industry employs more than 35,000 people, between full-time and part-time workers. The vast majority of these people have had no employment since 12 March. It was the first industry to shut and is likely to be the last one to reopen fully. The events sector alone directly contributes over €3.5 billion to the national economy. It is estimated that for every €1 spent on a ticket for an event an additional €6 is spent in the wider tourism economy. Until recently, the sector has been ignored and received virtually no Government aid. The workers and their dependants desperately require serious Government support to survive. Workers at all levels in this sector have no prospects of earning a living in the foreseeable future. The supports must be appropriate to address the dire financial situation facing almost every person and business in this sector.

We have discussed several times in the House how important good mental health is for everyone and how seriously it is being impacted by the Covid crisis. Music and entertainment have an important role in contributing to good mental health. However, it is the people in this sector, who normally bring such joy to others, who are suffering now. At a minimum, they require the immediate reinstatement of the wage subsidy scheme or the pandemic unemployment payment at the full rate per week until the sector is allowed to return to work, because it is fully closed by the Government under public health advice at present.

Many SMEs are suffering but one example is the dry cleaning and laundry business. That business is heavily linked to both the hospitality and tourism sectors. It should, therefore, receive the same benefits as those sectors, especially considering that most cleaners report that 60% to 80% of their work comes from those sectors. These businesses remained open during the lockdown, but many of the businesses they rely on for work were closed. Cancelled functions, such as weddings, graduations and so forth, have impacted the industry. Working from home has had an impact on it. Many in the industry are reporting a decrease in footfall from walk-in customers. They have also lost sales from corporate bodies who get uniforms and so forth cleaned. This is a sector that requires some support so I ask the Minister to consider formally allying this industry with the hospitality and tourism sectors. Any rescue packages given to the latter should also be given to this industry.

Many indigenous SMEs depend on trade fairs and exhibitions for product testing and future sales. For some businesses, these events are the only places they get to meet their customers face to face. I have been assured that trade fairs and exhibitions can recommence in a safe and responsible manner. They have informed me they have full contact details for all attendees and they have large venues with multiple exit or entrance points. They are not social events so the attendees can be staggered and allocated time slots. In addition, there are specific health and safety protocols drawn up by the Irish Exhibition Organisers Association for all event organisers to put into effect. They include temperature testing and isolation rooms. These protocols have already been the subject of detailed consultation with the Health and Safety Authority, HSA. The majority of such events in the rest of Europe are back in operation or have been given a commencement date by their respective governments for when operation can commence. Through this network the event organisers in Ireland are learning of the many successful approaches to running safe and responsible events. I ask the Minister to consider that as well.

Covid-19 means businesses are operating under uncertainty and with considerable economic challenges. The SME and microenterprise businesses are facing disastrous consequences as we head into winter. The SME sector employs 63% of people working in Ireland and it will have a catastrophic 2020. It needs a clear strategy outlined by the Government so businesses will know what will occur should restrictions be reimposed, and we know that is possible for many businesses as we approach winter. There is no room for ambiguity. They need to know what the right decisions should be, what they can be certain of and that they can trust in what the Government's response will be.

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