Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)

Engagement is no good after a decision is made. That is not consultation. Communities cannot be kept in the dark on these proposals and treated with utter contempt. It is a recipe for disaster. Stating that the sole hotel policy does not apply to hotels like the Merriman is a cop-out. It is a hotel. It is the only one in the village. This is a tourist village, and the loss of this hotel is having a serious economic impact. There is no clarity for the Ukrainian residents - 40 people are still there, by the way. Shame on this Government for treating these people in this manner and leaving them in limbo and in this uncertain situation. There should be a practical plan put in place to keep these people in the community and in the hotel until that is achieved. Government needs to put this contract on hold and engage with people in the local community. The Minister, Deputy Foley, or an Taoiseach should come down to Kinvara and explain to the local community how this is not a hotel and explain to the Ukrainian residents why they cannot provide any clarity to them on their future. I ask that this be taken back to the Minister, Deputy Foley, and Minister of State, Deputy Brophy. I agree that it is very disappointing that the Minister left before this.

See this speech in context