Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Even though it was raised this House yesterday, I want to speak on the Government decision, from the NPHET team in particular, on the hospitality sector. Even though there has been great respect for the NPHET team over recent months and it has done tremendous work, this is a very difficult decision for pubs throughout every village and city in Ireland. Naturally, paramount to all of us in this House is public health and safety, but from that perspective, there were certainly alternatives that did not seem to be included in this decision. We certainly need to look at them and I will be raising this at the highest level. We are talking here about 7,000 publicans throughout the country together with 50,000 jobs. At the end of the day, it is the uncertainty that is creating significant issues and anxiety for many families throughout this country. In this week alone, in Rathmore in the Cathaoirleach’s constituency, Cahill's pub has decided to close. This number will continue to rise over the next coming weeks and months. There is a perception in the public that the licensed trade is a goldmine. The fact of the matter is that nothing could be further from the truth. SMEs are facing significant challenges, as has been mentioned in this House, and there are 1,500 fewer publicans and in this country over the past ten years. Many of these are families and provide great service to their community. These are ordinary people who deserve respect and great support.

I will be raising with regard to the July stimulus package that we need support in that sector, particularly while closure is ongoing, but also, as was raised yesterday, we need certainty as to opening. Guidelines need to be issued immediately.