Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise an issue facing those working in the night-time economy. We have now gone from well over 500,000 people claiming the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP down to 60,000. I really welcome that progress but I have been contacted by many constituents this week who own or who work in bars, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. While they are glad they will be remaining open until midnight, their income will be reduced as a result. Those working in music and entertainment are seeing gigs being cancelled again. Their income will be hit and that is a fact. I support the Government's decision and agree that curtailing socialising is necessary right now, but we are also curtailing people's ability to earn an income and we need to support them financially. Will the Minister reassure those who work in the night-time economy that this Government will support them and that we have their backs?

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