Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

No. People said they had never been in County Roscommon, except to drive through it on the way to Westport. I will not spend my time speaking about Rooskey, the River Shannon, Lough Key, Arigna, Loughnanane Park and Slieve Bawn. I will use my slot to speak about tourism. I am very glad to see one of our colleagues, Senator McDowell, seeing the good fresh air and good people of Roscommon. He joins us there frequently but I know that because of the lockdown, he has not been able to spend as much time as usual with us. It is a lovely county. That is my little bit for tourism. Rather than pass through Roscommon, people should stop. That message is directed in particular at Senator Dooley because a lot of Roscommon people go to County Clare.

Very briefly, the package announced yesterday is very important and a lot of money is involved.I take cognisance of what Senator McDowell said yesterday about an awful lot of money being tied up in it and there will not be money for everyone. That is a fact. I agree with the comments made by some Members that we should have a debate in the House. There are issues regarding sole traders and others that need to be recognised. The Minister, Deputy McGrath, and other members of the Government will be anxious to have these matters fleshed out to see whether we can do something for that sector. I particularly refer to the arts sector, as has been mentioned. I acknowledge this fact and that we need to have a debate about the package in the House.