Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

----to a sector that is adding jobs, and can boast more openings than closures. As it happens, almost the exact same amount of money is needed for a targeted second tier of child support to the poorest of families. This will be rolled over every year and the Government will get no change out of about €3 billion by the time it is done. That is €3 billion less for tax adjustments for working people and service improvements. The only people who think this is a good idea seem to be the Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, and industry lobbyists. If this is the emergency we are told it is, why delay it until half way through next year? This is nothing but an old-fashioned stroke. At the top end, this is an industry that is super-profitable and is addicted to low pay. The likes of Supermac's posted pre-tax profits of €42 million in 2024. Food industry data suggests that about 40% of the benefit will go to the fast food multiples, with less than half going to the local independent restaurants and cafes we all want to see survive and thrive. The evidence for this is thin or non-existent. Even the man who launched the election campaign of the Minister, Deputy Burke, the one and only Michael O’Leary, said "this is a scam". That is what it is.

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