Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As we talk about the reopening of our hospitality sector, I would like to ask the Taoiseach what he has against the small or even the big family-run pub business. The illogical description of a pub as a "wet pub" was horrible. Fáilte Ireland said it did not come up with it. I do not know who did but it has been banished. Are we now going to further discriminate against publicans where they cannot apply for grants for outdoor seating? Surely every pub, whether it serves food or not, should be able to apply for funding from the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin's Department to be able to cater for the customers, which they love to do. The customers want hope as well. These pubs should be able to apply for these grants in the same way as a pub that serves food. Why is the Government segregating and demonising the family-run pub businesses that do not, cannot and never did serve food but run a very good business and give a fíor-fháilte to locals, strangers and everybody else and support the community in whatever it is doing? Give them a fair crack of the whip to try to re-emerge from the past 14 months and allow them to at least apply for the grant.

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