Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Two important dates are approaching, namely, 2 June and 7 June, when the hospitality industry reopens. Hotels open tomorrow and outdoor facilities on 7 June. Close to 250,000 people are impacted in this regard. While there has been criticism regarding the expected cutting back of employment support payments from next September, it has not been highlighted that it is expected there will be increased supports to keep these businesses open and retain people in jobs. That is an important point. In that regard, I wish all the businesses reopening on 2 June and 7 June all the best. Many of them have been closed for 12 months or more. It is a daunting time and there has been much talk regarding crowds gathering and related issues. However, controlled environments are safe places.

On 7 June, we will also be marking the 25th anniversary of the murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in Adare in County Limerick. A small wreath-laying ceremony will mark the event at the location where Detective Garda McCabe was brutally murdered by the IRA. Four men from that organisation served sentences for the murder and for the shooting of Detective Garda Ben O'Sullivan. A quarter of a century is a significant anniversary and I ask, therefore, that on 7 June we might take time here to think about Detective Garda McCabe, his family and all the gardaí affected by the events at the time.