The tourism and hospitality sector needs urgent help in the face of a sharp fall-off in bookings in the wake of the Covid-19 virus.
I am calling on the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue to approve a rescue package for the tourism, hospitality and leisure industries.
Some businesses are facing an immediate threat to their existence because of the disruption caused by the virus.
While I very much welcome the assurances given by the Central Bank and the Revenue Commissioners for all businesses that may face difficulties, it is a first step.
We need measures within days to prevent a situation where thousands of jobs may be lost with all tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses – small, medium and large – facing into a crisis.
This is an unprecedented situation and I am joining other Ministerial colleagues in calling for certain taxes and payments to be deferred to give the economy an opportunity to recover.
I am also calling for a €15 million increase in funding for Fáilte Ireland, an increase of €25 million for Tourism Ireland’s Tourism Marketing Fund and supplements for air carriers subject to State Aid considerations.
Action is required now before it is too late.