Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
266. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to undertake an economic viability study for tourism-dependent hospitality businesses in light of the proposed extra costs announced in budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4761/24]
View answerWhile elements of the hospitality sector are important parts of the wider tourism ecosystem, as Minister for Tourism I do not have responsibility for the general hospitality or food services sector. While these are important segments of the wider enterprise economy as they do not fall within my remit, I have no plans to undertake a study as referred to in the question.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and I co-chair the Hospitality and Tourism Forum which brings together on a regular basis these two important and inter-related sectors. Key stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality sectors are represented in this Forum. The Forum provides a platform for structured engagement between the tourism and hospitality sectors and the relevant Government Departments where key matters can be discussed with a view to identifying practical solutions. Key stakeholders within tourism and hospitality sectors were present when this Forum recently met in person on 24 January 2024.
In addition, I understand that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is working with the Department of Social Protection on a report that examines the business impact of forthcoming changes to working conditions. The report is supported by evidence received from both employer and trade union perspectives and will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Finally, Government is supporting businesses through measures such as the Increased Costs of Business grant introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
