Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Seanad Members for allowing me an opportunity to speak today on such an important matter. I thank them for their contributions. I will follow up on as many of the questions raised as is possible. If I do not manage to get back to every query, I will ask my officials to write to the Senators.

As I said earlier, the tourism industry in its entirety has been decimated by the Covid-19 crisis. The sector will take the longest to recover. Senator Keogan raised that issue. I am aware of the difficulties being experienced by Ireland's tourism industry. I am mindful of its complete loss of earnings, jobs and businesses. I assure Senator Keogan that I am taking this matter seriously.

Senator Cassells asked about ancillary job losses. Approximately 260,000 people are employed in the tourism and hospitality sector. I do not have exact figures on the indirect impact of their spending on other jobs. I certainly know that many regions are very dependent on that income.

As sports Minister, I understand the desire for larger crowds and attendances at GAA and other grounds. The Government must put health first with everything that comes with Covid-19. If we are ever to reach a point where we can open everything up, then we must act with caution at all times. We have to adhere to the current public advice.If it is at all possible to mitigate the risk to life with bigger crowds, then I am sure NPHET will consider that. My Department will assist NPHET and co-operate with it in that process.