Although there is a major focus on travel, a sector of the industry is facing extinction unless they receive urgent funding. Ireland's 190 licensed travel agents are currently watching their businesses fail and, unlike other SMEs, they have received little or no assistance. I have been in correspondence with the Tánaiste about this issue. Industry projections estimate that as a result of the advice not to travel abroad, travel agents will lose €120 billion in projected earned income, which comes largely from commis…

I wish to raise a separate but connected issue. Thousands of people booked flights with airlines. On Government advice, they have taken the decision not to travel. We now have a situation where airlines have had the use of people's money for a considerable period. However, because the flights have not been cancelled, they are unable to recoup their money. The only option they have is to change the date and when they move to do this, the airlines are charging them as much they paid for the original ticket. This is t…

I congratulate the Minister on his elevation to high office. As Opposition spokesman, he showed a command and a deep understanding of the health brief. He has the ability to be a reforming and performing Minister for Health. In his political transfer, he showed political shrewdness and awareness and I am glad his courage and political agility has been rewarded with ministerial office. I look forward to supporting his best endeavours in his Department. The country was riveted to the television last night as "RTÉ Inv…

I will share time with Deputy Grealish. The year 2020 will never be forgotten. It will be remembered as a year that has turned the lives of people across the globe into a living nightmare. The world remains gripped by fear, sadness, grief and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. The virus that swept from continent to continent has robbed us of a sense of security. It took from us many of our cherished citizens and left broken hearts and many empty chairs around our tables. It left loneliness, fear, change and dee…

This debate was to take place last week and, in the interim, Detective Garda Colm Horkan lost his life. Before that young man lost his life on the streets of Castlerea, I had already deemed it necessary to state that the men and women of An Garda Síochána in every corner of our country risk their lives every time they go to do their work. Sadly, the untimely passing of Detective Garda Horkan has driven that fact home to all of us. He was brave and courageous in fulfilling the duties of the job he loved in a normall…

Job losses, cost-cutting, pay freezes, financial losses and crisis are the stark words that have been bouncing off the walls of this House as Minister after Minister has faced questions in recent weeks. The Government response, by and large, has been proactive. I trust the Government will also give practical support to the Irish aviation industry which landed in this crisis with a legacy of unresolved issues and now has little runway to help it rise out of it. The urgency of the current situation is unparalleled in…

In the years before this virus ravaged our country, an industry as old as time has been suffering a slow but largely ignored demise. The local newspaper industry as we know it is dying before our eyes and if it is allowed to continue, it will not just herald the end of an industry but it will also mark the end of an era. The threats faced by the local print newspaper industry are many. Falling advertising revenue, rising production costs and the growing popularity of online news are touted as the biggest dangers to…

I have heard much criticism in the media and this evening of the meat industry's handling of Covid-19. Much of this criticism is merited, and some of the criticism is exaggerated. I find it hard to believe, as the Minister just said, that any meat industry owner or management would willingly be negligent to the extent that they would endanger their workforce. The industry is now operating under exceptional circumstances. Coping with the virus is a new and unexpected encounter for everyone. We should assess the fail…

This House's main priority is saving lives and jobs. We have heard details of a number of schemes to ease the path to business recovery. Most businesses can avail of a range of schemes. Although these schemes are, as of yet, untested, they have been put in place in a timely manner under the guidance of the Minister and will lessen the burden for many businesses. There is, however, one sector which seems to have fallen through the cracks. For whatever reason, the self-employed, micro-companies, small businesses and …

The entire world is currently transfixed by Covid-19, which is understandable. This virus has impacted on people's lives like nothing else in living memory. However, other significant issues remain to be dealt with. I refer specifically to Brexit. Serious and unresolved matters surrounding Britain's exit from the European Union are more crucial now than even before the onset of Covid-19. Brexit implications are looming large. We now face a double whammy with the combination of a no-deal Brexit plus the economic bat…

In recent days I have noticed a shift in people's focus. While people remain overwhelmed and afraid of all aspects of the coronavirus, there is an acceptance that life as we knew it has temporarily disappeared. There does remain a strong sense of gratitude for the supports that the Government has put in place. However, overriding fears for our financial future are intensifying. The reality is that people know we are facing another period of great uncertainty, and there is rampant speculation about just how bad it w…

The measure of support put in place by the Government to help Irish people get through the Covid-19 crisis is unparalleled in the history of the State. The speed with which these measures were introduced is to be applauded. The response has been one of gratitude and relief. There is a real awareness among Irish people that citizens of many other countries do not have governments that are quite as willing or quick to help them at this time. However, when new measures are introduced there can never be a one-size-fits…

I express the heartfelt thanks and appreciation of everyone in Tipperary and the country to those who are actively involved and co-operating in confronting the scourge of Covid-19. The public health response has been amazing, social solidarity has been inspiring and protecting the health of our citizens is of paramount importance. Whatever it takes and whatever it costs, it must be done. We are living through extraordinary times. Normality has deserted us and our country is pulsating with anxiety, fear and uncertai…