Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The work that has been done by the State and the people in welcoming refugees, particularly from Ukraine, over the past year has given a tremendous reputational boost to this country and that will have impacts across the economy and society to the benefit of everyone. We have done the right thing and we will benefit from that, apart from giving benefit to those most in need at this particular time.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is acutely conscious of the importance of the tourism sector, particularly in the regions. Tourism accommodation has a significant multiplier effect for businesses and she acknowledges that accommodation stock being taken out of the market brings a multiplicity of challenges, as outlined clearly by the Deputy. The Department has, both at the senior officials' group on Ukraine and beyond, communicated the potential challenges arising for the tourism ecosystem, particularly in those parts of the country, such as the Deputy's constituency, where high proportions of the tourism accommodation stock are directed to humanitarian purposes. A more detailed analysis of the scale of those challenges is being undertaken and will inform decision-making in this area, as will his contribution this morning. The Minister consistently engages with and takes on board the views of the hospitality and tourism sector, particularly around the need to avoid a cliff edge in support and she will continue to engage on this with Government colleagues.

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