Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The objective behind the stay-and-spend scheme was to tap into pent-up savings in order to save jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector. The Government, as the Minister says, has set aside €140 million for the stay-and-spend scheme up to 31 December. As a result of the lockdown, that will not happen. Rather than losing this money for the sector, however, I ask the Minister to ring-fence the €100 million underspend to date and to use it to act as a guarantee for those who purchase gift vouchers in the hospitality sector between now and Christmas. We have seen iconic attractions such as Dublin Zoo under threat of closure. This will make many people wary of purchasing gift vouchers for hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions as they fear they may not reopen. However, the purchase of gift vouchers would provide vital cash flow to those businesses, ensure they remain open next year and, importantly, encourage people to holiday at home in 2021. I therefore urge the Minister to consider this proposal.

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