Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That will be considered. The scheme referred to by Deputy Kelly is being looked at. There is also the broader issue of how we sustain our hospitality sector over the medium term, acknowledging and accepting that Covid-19 will have a significant impact on our economy for the full 12 months of 2021. If we accept that it has a specific impact on the food, accommodation, beverage and hospitality sector, then we have to look at other ways of helping the sector and the enterprises to come through, to preserve as much employment as we can in the sector, and to support people as effectively as we can. It is the one sector that is taking a greater hit than others.

It is interesting to note with regard to private coaches and other coach travel taking a big hit that it is hoped the significant allocation yesterday by the Cabinet of more than €100 million to fulfil the public health recommendations for school transport may help that sector. Education did not particularly welcome the fact that it was €100 million, but it could help the coach and bus sector to get through this. We have to be innovative in how we can get other things done while supporting this sector for when Covid is over. Retraining and the human capital programme are also significant.

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