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

After many good years of Fáilte Ireland supporting regionality and seasonality, the winters will now see businesses going back to shutting up shop to preserve money. Hospitality will have nothing to entertain and attract guests off-season and people will be out of work again for the four to five autumn and winter months. Employees in the sector must also be supported and incentivised to stay in this wonderful business.

Currently, many of these employees are laid off and-or are on reduced hours. They face prejudice when seeking loans or mortgages, even when in full employment. They have had a tough time. They are representing Ireland and supporting the economy in this important industry. Yet, they are out of pocket and at a disadvantage. Their skills are being lost to the industry, and when we are recovering we may not have the resources to deliver. What plans are being put in place to protect the employees of the hospitality sector?

I have only seven seconds left, but the Minister is most welcome to west Cork again this year. Please God, she will again come down to see the beauty of the region. Regarding the tourism task force, I am just disappointed that no one from west Cork was on it. I am talking about one of the biggest and strongest tourism areas in Ireland, and perhaps in the world. It was a major disappointment to us that did not happen.

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