Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am a big supporter of the tourism industry, as I know Deputy Griffin is, and I believe this Government is too. I remember that, 12 years ago when we were in the middle of a very deep economic crisis, it was the tourism industry, the farmers and the multinationals that lifted us out of that. I will never forget that. They deserve our support for that reason alone, as well as for many other reasons. I will come back to the Deputy with more details but I know there is funding for Tourism Ireland to promote Ireland abroad and funding for Fáilte Ireland to invest in attractions around the country. Many tourism businesses will also benefit from a scheme being developed by the Minister, Deputy Coveney. This is a €250 million scheme to provide cash grants in recognition of some of the high costs these businesses are currently facing, particularly with regard to energy and higher wage costs. The Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, also wants to work on a bespoke scheme that will help some of the tourist-facing businesses that have been affected by the fact so much of our hotel stock has been taken up by refugees from Ukraine.

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