Sinn Féin has today published a proposal for an economic stimulus plan to boost the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The plan would see each adult receive a voucher worth €200 to be used in pubs, restaurants and hotels, while every child would be entitled to a voucher worth €100.
Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty said the proposed voucher scheme would give people the option to take a break away, following the difficult lockdown period.
"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," he added.
Sinn Féin said the stimulus plan, amounting to over €860 million, would revive two sectors hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a particular boost to counties and regions heavily dependent on tourism and hospitality.
Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport Darren O'Rourke said a substantial economic stimulus package is urgently needed to revive these sectors.
"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," he said.
