Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the House for the opportunity to speak on this important legislation. How small-sized and medium-sized businesses will survive in the future is one of the key issues. That is why this legislation is so important. I welcome the indication that the primary producers are being included. The fishermen, farmers and food companies are all very much a part of our rural enterprise and rural economy and the ability for them to access the actual funding is welcome.

Going forward, we need more of these schemes. To have a scheme with this ability to have an 80% guarantee to the State is a really important initiative. In many ways, it gives confidence to the sectors that they can actually go out and invest again. The pressure the tourism industry is under at the moment is immense. Hotels would say if they are opening at 20% capacity they are probably losing drastic sums of money. The ability for them to invest and keep going, particularly during the winter period, will be an enormous challenge. In particular, the rural parts of this country, whether it is the west or south, really need to have that stimulus package required for our tourism industry because if we do not, we will not have that industry going forward.If it is not provided, the industry will not continue to exist.

The food industry has been included in the package. It needs help and support because it is a major employer in rural areas. The package will give the industry the confidence it needs to invest and drive forward. The Bill is putting confidence back into these sectors. That is why it is important. We are in troubled and unbelievable times. We are living through history and because of that, we need a different approach which this Bill provides.

I welcome the Bill. We need to enact it as soon as possible. It is one of the most important Bills that has been brought through the Oireachtas in the past number of months. It will provide the kickstart and safety net required for industries to drive forward.