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

The Deputy will be aware that I am familiar with the beauty of west Cork. I met him there when my family and I were on holidays. I am conscious of the impact on the wider tourism ecosystem, including the businesses he referred to. As regards the TBESS finishing on 28 February, the Government is discussing what will happen next, the supports that are needed and looking at detailed analysis.

We in Ireland are absolutely resolute in our solidarity with and support for Ukraine and we are honouring our commitment to help people who have been displaced by this horrendous war. We have never seen so many people arrive in such a short timeframe as we welcomed the population size of Galway city in under a year. It is time to remember that Irish people have, over generations, sought shelter and opportunities abroad. Ireland has a long history of supporting other nations in times of trouble and this is the right thing to do.

My officials are engaging with several Departments, with input from colleagues from Fáilte Ireland, on how best to mitigate the potential impacts on the wider tourism ecosystem of the long-term use of tourism accommodation. It was never meant to be long term. It was meant to be short to medium term. This is not just from a hotel's point of view but also for the families in the hotels.

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