Senator Tim Lombard raised the issue of cashflow and working capital and referred to the assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. As he rightly said, that is what is required.

In response to Senator Paul Gavan, I am on record as saying the 9% VAT rate is important. We must continue to attract tourists post-Brexit. It is not about incentivising restaurants and hotels but offering an attractive package to tourists. What is of equal importance is that people who live here can afford to go to restaurants and spend their money in the local economy.

I would be disappointed if a person working in the hotel industry was sacked because of his or her membership of a trade union or for being a trade unionist. Those of us who were members of and advocates for a union or who were shop stewards and representatives who attended branch meetings recognise the importance of and need for trade unions. I hope the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation will engage with the unions involved. As it is dialogue, not a monologue, both sides should interact. The Senator is right that for some employment in the hotel industry can be transient. There have been issues, in family-run hotels in particular, but the position has changed. It is important that people be offered continuity of employment in restaurants and hotels in particular. I, therefore, actively encourage both sides to engage. As I said, I would be disappointed if someone was sacked because of his or her membership of a trade union.