Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
86. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if additional funding and support for pubs, restaurants and hotels will be provided in order that they can reopen and to ensure that the so-called wet pubs will be included and opened in conjunction with all involved in the hospitality business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21932/21]
View answerI am fully aware of the impact COVID-19 has on tourism and hospitality nationwide and I also acknowledge that public health restrictions continue to be very challenging for the tourism sector. In line with the plan set out in The Path Ahead and after taking full account of the current status of COVID-19 in the community and the public health advice, the Government has been implementing a limited phased easing of some Level 5 restrictions through the month of April. The Government is due to make further decisions and announcements this week regarding the position to apply for May and beyond, with a view to facilitating the safe reopening of more services as the public health situation permits.
I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, Government will be outlining how it will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Along with my colleagues in Government, I will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.
