Sinn Féin have today published a proposal for an economic stimulus plan to help the tourism and hospitality sectors after the Covid-19 lockdown.
This plan – amounting to over €860 million – includes offering vouchers to every adult and child in the state to spend in businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Adults would receive a voucher worth €200, while every child would be entitled to a voucher worth €100.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD said: “As well as supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, this plan will give workers and families the welcome option of a break away or days out after what has been an extraordinarily difficult period.
The vouchers would not be means tested, the Donegal TD added.
“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.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport Darren O’Rourke TD 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.
“Tourism is the State’s largest indigenous industry, employing 265,000 people, with 68% of these jobs outside of Dublin.
“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. That is what we are proposing today.”