Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator Murphy in paying tribute to Tom Hussey. He gave many years of service in many different Departments, including the Departments of agriculture and Health. I wish to acknowledge his family because we all know how much families give when a family member is involved in public service. I am sure the people of Glenamaddy are also of great support.

I wish to expand on what Senator Casey said about hospitality. It is really important that we acknowledge the workers' rights. In previous years, the Taoiseach has spoken many times about the five workers' rights that we were fighting for, including benefits relating to sick pay and redundancy. We acknowledged the absolute difficulties and challenges over the two years of the Covid pandemic. Tribute was paid through the national holiday that we are looking forward to in remembrance of everything we went through those two years. The challenge we have now is that those in hospitality, in particular restaurants, are struggling. We need to see these rights expand and we need to see a minimum wage. I am very proud that past Governments involving Fine Gael have sought to increase the minimum wage, which has to match a living wage.

However, we also need to consider how we support our entrepreneurs and small businesses. I know the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is looking closely at the increased cost of business, the ICOB grant. That will come forward in the coming months and will be crucial for businesses. We have taken on board feedback last year to ensure it is simplified. I hope it will be an automatic support for businesses particularly targeting small and medium-sized businesses. I have heard from restaurant owners in Ballinasloe, Castlerea and Roscommon, who are all struggling. It is a difficult time of the year but I was hearing this before Christmas. What additional supports can the Minister provide particularly for the hospitality sector?