Seanad debates

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

9:30 am

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with colleagues and welcome the extension to August 2022. As Senator Martin said, it allows us sufficient time. If we do not see the necessary recovery happening by August 2022, consideration can be given to extending that. Everyone has talked about why it is important to get the tourism and hospitality sector back up and running. It must be remembered that significant numbers of people employed within that sector are young people. If we are to address some of the high rates of unemployment among young people, we must ensure the hospitality and tourism sector is back up and running and is vibrant.

There is one element of warning. When the VAT rate was reduced in the past, some businesses decided to take advantage of it and tried to kill the golden goose. This is not in the best interests of the industry. Through this measure the Government is trying to help the industry. Businesses that try to do that are not being fair in terms of the overall initiative.

I agree with Senator Murphy that we need to look at the broader entertainment industry. In his response, I ask the Minister of State to define if it is covered. Just as tourism has suffered, those in the arts and entertainment sector have equally suffered a significant blow. We need to ensure the incentives are there to be able to get that sector up and running again.

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