Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The stay and spend scheme was set up late last summer to stimulate demand for accommodation and hospitality business during the off-season. It was set up by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe. It was quite an innovative approach to incentivise spending. However, the public health conditions beyond our control have clearly prevented that incentivisation of spending because of the stop and start nature of the pandemic. The unpredictability and consequences of the pandemic have resulted in the scheme being completely underutilised. A review of the stay and spend scheme was one of the recent recommendations of the tourism recovery oversight group. I have urged Cabinet colleagues to give this and other recommendations of the report serious consideration to facilitate the reopening of the sector. It is anticipated that the Minister for Finance will then take stock and look at what additional measures might be appropriate. I am cognisant of the seasonal nature of the industry, financial challenges and the leaner shoulder and off-season months. I believe that supports will need to consider that impact on the off-season. I am open to all supports that can help the tourism sector.

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