Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. It is welcome to hear that additional resources have been allocated to his Department in order to ensure that these payments can be made more swiftly. It is also positive to hear about the automated process. Some accommodation providers should receive their payments via an automated system. If contracts are being paid monthly, that should be automated in the context of the invoices submitted. It is difficult for many businesses to have to wait five months for payment of significant sums of money, never mind trying to survive in the current cost-of-living and inflationary crisis. We are in the opening phase of the tourism season. Any delays to payments or invoices could force hotel owners not to renew their contracts, which would put Government in a precarious position in relation to accommodation of refugees. Will the Minister give a commitment that these payments will not be delayed in the coming months?

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