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

From my engagement with the sector, I am acutely aware of the retention of skills being an issue. That is why we have invested money from the budget in this endeavour and that is why Government work is going on in this area. The work being done in apprenticeships by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, is evident. Two such programmes launched recently in collaboration with the Irish Hotels Federation.

Regarding the Deputy's concerns about approaching the winter season, that is why I am looking at more targeted approaches to support the industry during that off-peak season. We are entering the peak season for the domestic industry now, but I am concerned about that shoulder season. We should invite people to go to west Cork, like I did, in that shoulder season as well. Therefore, we are continuing the supports and we are very aware of the retention of skills issue and that is why we are investing in upskilling, training and the digitalisation of the industry.

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