Roscommon tourism
Senator Murphy apologised for not wearing a mask, then told a light anecdote about being from Roscommon and turned it into praise for tourism in the county. Senator Dooley joked in reply, and Murphy ended by welcoming Senator McDowell's visits to Roscommon.
I apologise to my colleagues; I am not wearing a face mask because I have mislaid it but I have one on the way. I notice all of my colleagues are wearing one and I offer my sincere apologies.
I want to tell the House a very short story.
Comment on this
When I came to the Oireachtas as a Deputy in 2016, I met many bright people, many new and old faces from politics and many staff. The same happened when I became a Member of the Seanad. One of the questions I was asked was where I was from. When I said I was from County Roscommon, what was the reply 70% of the time?
Comment on this
No. People said they had never been in County Roscommon, except to drive through it on the way to Westport. I will not spend my time speaking about Rooskey, the River Shannon, Lough Key, Arigna, Loughnanane Park and Slieve Bawn. I will use my slot to speak about tourism. I am very glad to see one of our colleagues, Senator McDowell, seeing the good fresh air and good people of Roscommon. He joins us there frequently but I know that because of the lockdown, he has not been able to spend as much time as usual with us. It is a lovely county. That is my little bit for tourism. Rather than pass through Roscommon, people should stop. That message is directed in particular at Senator Dooley because a lot of Roscommon people go to County Clare.
Very briefly, the package announced yesterday is very important and a lot of money is involved.
I take cognisance of what Senator McDowell said yesterday about an awful lot of money being tied up in it and there will not be money for everyone. That is a fact. I agree with the comments made by some Members that we should have a debate in the House. There are issues regarding sole traders and others that need to be recognised. The Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, and other members of the Government will be anxious to have these matters fleshed out to see whether we can do something for that sector. I particularly refer to the arts sector, as has been mentioned. I acknowledge this fact and that we need to have a debate about the package in the House.