Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Hotels and tourism businesses flagged that tourism is one of the major employers in rural regions such as west Cork. It has been one of the sectors hardest hit during the pandemic. Many businesses are making decisions about whether they can survive, and if they can, they are cutting back on services and operating hours. We need a commitment for a minimum of five years to make these SMEs, restaurants, tourism attractions, pubs and shops feel that it is worth trading for the hours that will ensure visitors have things to see and do when the recovery happens. A VAT rate of 9%, insurance reform, grants and more such measures are needed to stem the rising costs of doing business. Otherwise, these SMEs will not be able to realise a living from what they do.

We need a plan regarding when music venues, arenas, etc., will be allowed to open so we will have an offering that will continue to attract people and support jobs and spending in our local economies. Many of these music venues, pubs and GAA, soccer and rugby matches are attractions in their own right and part of the fabric of Irish life. Cork Airport is estimating that it will take four to five years for passenger numbers to recover. Therefore, that length of time needs to be mirrored in targeted supports. Hotels are negotiating rates with tour operators and businesses for 2023. Can the Minister give us up-to-date information regarding what the Government has planned for the hospitality and tourism sector for the coming four to five years?

See this speech in context