Carthy seeks support for Sinn Féin’s tourism and hospitality stimulus plan
Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, has called on representatives from all political parties to support a new proposal for an economic stimulus plan for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
This Sinn Féin proposal – amounting to a stimulus package of over €860 million – would revive two of the sectors hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a particular boost to important employers in County Monaghan.
Under this scheme, launched by Sinn Féin on Tuesday, every adult in the State would receive a voucher worth €200, while every child would be entitled to a voucher worth €100, to be spent in businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Speaking this week Deputy Carthy said:
“The tourism and hospitality sectors have been two of the hardest hit during the Covid-19 pandemic and urgent government intervention is required to support workers and families and to save jobs and businesses. We all fear for the future of several Monaghan restaurants, hotels and similar businesses and it is clear that there is a need for an urgent and substantial investment.
“The success of our local economy depends on an imaginative response. This proposal could provide the lifeline that is required.
“Around 92% of workers in the accommodation and food sectors have received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or have been on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, while the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation is estimating a hit to the sector in the region of €3.5 billion in 2020.
“With restrictions on travel to the State remaining in place, Sinn Féin believes a substantial economic stimulus is urgently needed to revive these sectors.
“Our plan will also give workers and families the welcome option of a break away or days out after what has been an extraordinarily difficult period.
“Similar stimulus plans have been introduced around the world. Italy has a similar plan to encourage people to holiday at home, Vienna is giving residents vouchers for restaurants in the city and the United States is distributing billions of dollars in stimulus cheques directly to residents.
“The plan would see each adult receive a voucher worth €200 to be used in domestic businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, while every child would be entitled to a voucher worth €100.
“This would be non-means tested and available to every resident in the State. That means it will assist those unable to afford a break, but also encourage those who can to spend their vouchers, plus more, in our local economies.
“This is an investment in jobs and businesses. Without intervention now, thousands of jobs will be lost permanently, costing the State considerably more in the long-run. I am hopeful that representatives across the political divides will support this proposal and ensure that jobs in our county are saved.”
A copy of Sinn Fein’s economic stimulus plan for the tourism and hospitality sectors can be found at the following link
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