April 30, 2021
Replace failed Stay and Spend Scheme with Sinn Féin proposal for tourism and hospitality voucher to support jobs and businesses – Pearse Doherty TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has criticised the Minister for Finance for refusing to replace his failed Stay and Spend Scheme with a scheme that would provide stimulus to the hospitality and tourism sectors in the months ahead.

He has called on the government to implement Sinn Féin’s voucher scheme proposal.

The government’s Stay and Spend Scheme has been an abject failure, with less than 1 percent of funding drawn down.

In June last year, Sinn Féin proposed a hospitality and tourism voucher scheme that would provide a multimillion stimulus to the sectors as they emerge from the pandemic.

Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said:

“As part of last year’s July Stimulus, the Minister for Finance launched the ‘Stay and Spend Scheme’.

“This scheme was to run from October 2020 to the 30th April, today.

“It has been an unmitigated failure, with less than 1 percent of the funding allocated to the scheme having been drawn down by March 4th.

“Worse still, 29 percent of all earners did not even qualify for the scheme on account of not having high enough incomes.

“This would have resulted in a ridiculous situation whereby two families could have received two meals in a restaurant, with one family paying 25 percent more for their meal simply because they are a lower income family.

“The scheme was badly designed, poorly targeted and has proved to be an unmitigated failure for the hospitality and tourism sector.

“News that the Fine Gael Minister for Finance has no plans to replace his failed scheme with an alternative for the hospitality and tourism sector is poor policy.

“In June last year, Sinn Féin proposed the rolling out of a voucher scheme that would be available to all citizens and provide a shot in the arm to the hospitality and tourism sectors.

“This would provide stimulus to these sectors with a multiplier effect that will help the sectors most impacted by the pandemic.

“In the months ahead, voucher schemes will be rolled out in the north that will provide a much needed boost to these sectors, as has been done in numerous jurisdictions in response to the pandemic.

“The government’s Stay and Spend Scheme was a total failure, as Sinn Féin warned it would be.

“The Minister for Finance should implement Sinn Féin’s voucher scheme proposal and provide a boost for workers and businesses as we emerge from the pandemic.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I welcome tonight’s statement from the Ceann Comhairle and her acceptance of the position set out by Sinn Féin and the combined Opposition - you cannot be in government and opposition at the same time.

This was a stroke too far on the back of a grubby deal and everyone knows…

One year ago today, history was made as I took up the position of First Minister.

Every day since, I’ve worked to ensure all our people are fairly represented and to meet the needs and aspirations of workers, families and communities.

I remain determined to do everything I can…

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the passing of a motion in the Assembly supporting greater north-south co-operation.

@DeclanKearneySF

👋 Meet your new Sinn Féin ministerial team.

Our strong Sinn Féin team in the Executive will work to continue leading positive change and improve the lives of workers, families and communities.

4

Load More

Statements