Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I echo the comments of the Leas-Chathaoirleach that the Minister of State always brings optimism to his role, and we need optimism and hope over this period in order that we can come through these difficult times. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State is engaging with the retail forum, as it is very important to engage with the business sector on this, and also the Government's innovative approach in a number of areas, including, as Senator Ahearn mentioned, the CRSS scheme. It is also important that Members of this House thank the retail workers who have kept the supermarkets and other shops open during this period, some of whom are vulnerable. Therefore, they must be thanked and the role they have played must be recognised.

When we come out of this, the best way to get the economic recovery that we all want, and to address some of the economic challenges that Senator McDowell highlighted, is to get people back to work. We must prioritise getting those people back into employment who may have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. Of particular concern to me is what is happening with young people. This is not just because of the economic impact it is having, but also the social impact. The Minister of State is aware that during the summer, youth unemployment peaked at over 40%. We must look at very targeted ways of ensuring that young people who have lost their jobs are able to get back into employment or into upskilling and retraining. One specific issue that I ask the Minister of State to address is the waiting list for driving tests, because it is preventing many young people from taking up employment. The waiting time for driving tests is now over 30 weeks, and that has a knock-on effect on the employment market, particularly when people do not have access to public transport.

I want to echo the concerns raised by Senator Crowe around the hospitality sector. I am concerned that we are only receiving announcements this weekend for what might happen in the hospitality sector next week. It is not possible for hotels, cafes and restaurants to simply switch on the lights and presume that they can reopen. I, and other Members of this House, have asked that there will be a lead-in period to reopening, and people will be given notice. It is not just about being able to bring in employees; it is also about being able to order stock, etc. It does not make sense to expect an announcement one evening in which one may be told that one can open within a few days. There must be adequate notice given to the sector. We also need to look at how we can learn from this experience to revitalise our hospitality sector. I recall Senator McDowell once singing the praises of cafe bars and I think that, bizarrely, our experience during this pandemic may lead to - and I hope to see it - an opening of outdoor dining facilities. We must put in place - particularly at local level through local authorities - the supports required to do that. Some of that work has started and it must continue.

There are a few specific sectors that other Senators have mentioned and on which I share their concerns. In the area of sport and well-being, it is important for people's well-being that they are able to get back into gyms. If people are working out in their own corner of the gym, they will not come into contact with anyone else. Any of the gyms that I am aware of have put in place very stringent cleaning measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. The Minister of State will be aware that while running on the roads is great most of the time, at this time of the year it is not, so we should at least give people the opportunity to be able to exercise indoors.

As we are all aware, the tourism sector is one that has been particularly impacted by the pandemic. I want to specifically talk about many of the tourist venues that are not regarded as fully commercial venues, and as a result they have not necessarily been able to avail of some of the commercial opportunities the Government has provided.Many of those tourist venues are not regarded as fully commercial and, as a result, have not necessarily been able to avail of some of the commercial opportunities that the Government has provided. The income levels of tourist attractions in Wexford such as Hook Head, the Irish National Heritage Park and Dunbrody House are down significantly this year. While some measures have been put in place by Fáilte Ireland, it is not enough to ensure that those tourist attractions will recover quickly.

Like Senators Moynihan and Garvey, I want to make a strong case for the arts sector. Our theatres, galleries and arts venues are controlled environments and can operate safely. It is not just important for them to be able to survive commercially, it is also important for our sense of community well-being. We would meet more people in a supermarket than we would if we walked next door and into the National Gallery of Ireland, as Senator Moynihan has said. We must look at how those venues can be reopened safely.

All of us here want to support local business. I referred to this matter earlier, but there has been a shift in purchasing to the online market. One of the associated difficulties is that it puts the high street and main street businesses at a distinct disadvantage because they continue to pay commercial rates. Commercial rates is a model of funding local government from the 1820s. It is completely outdated. It is a ridiculous situation that the local government funding in this country is determined on the basis of the size of the shop floor of premises when more and more money is being spent online. We, as a Government, need to radically reform the commercial rates system.

I know that the Minister of State is enthusiastic and optimistic. We have to get the country moving again. I ask the Minister of State to take on board the points I have made.