The Restaurant Association of Ireland says that one restaurant a day is closing down here.
In its pre-Budget submission, the association claims that inaction by Government is putting as many as 21,000 jobs at risk.
The Restaurant Association says 80% of Irish restaurants are running at a loss. It says Irish restaurateurs pay the second highest wage rate and the highest excise duty on wine in Europe.
It also claims that food costs are 24% above the European average.
The association also attributes part of the downturn in business to a 20% fall in overseas visitors in the first six months of the year.
The RAI says one business a day is closing here and it warns that many more will follow if measures are not taken soon.
It wants Sunday premium payments to be abolished, the air travel tax to be removed and changes to VAT.
