Mattie McGrath: Publicans 'let down and misled' over reopening
Mattie McGrath criticised leaders for misleading publicans about pub reopenings, saying publicans, their families and customers were left 'let down' after repeated reopening promises. He condemned inconsistent messaging and said the refusal to close ports and airports compounded the harm to pubs that remained closed.
Allegation of misleading messaging
He said publicans were given repeated assurances they could reopen, citing promises made in the Dáil and elsewhere, and accused political leaders of changing their position without warning, leaving publicans exposed.
Financial burden on publicans
He detailed the costs borne by publicans - buying stock, refitting premises at enormous expense, and ongoing payments such as tax, rates, VAT, insurance, light and heat - arguing these businesses continue to carry fixed costs while being prevented from trading.
Mental health impact
He warned that the uncertainty and financial strain have taken a toll on publicans' mental health, describing the situation as a "real hammer block" and a significant let-down for families and staff.
Ports and airports criticism and opening concerns
He questioned why ports and airports were not closed, saying it "sticks in their craw" to see tourists arriving while pubs cannot open. He emphasised that publicans want to reopen carefully to protect staff, families and customers, but said the mixed signals have undermined that prospect.
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Teachta, Teachta, the publicans and their families and their customers have been let down, they've actually been misled, you yourself when you were Teachta announced that you want them to reopen next Monday, you said it again last week in this house, you said it again this week and you're all now as Tanaiste, now we have a new Teachta and he's been a failure to them because why weren't they told earlier, why were they forced into a situation where they bought their stock, paid for it, refitted their pubs at enormous expense and had the mental health issues as well and we're looking forward to seeing their customers and opening in a careful way looking after staff, families and customers alike, this is unbelievable and there have been a tweak on them here and if you're serious about the pandemic, why you, especially as a Taoiseach when you were, refused to close the ports and airports and still do, it sticks in their craw to see tourists coming in and they can't open their business, these are many many valuable businesses, they pay tax, they pay rates, they pay VAT, they pay insurance, they pay light and heat, they pay everything and they support all local initiatives as well and they're mental health is now deteriorating and this is a real hammer block, it's a real let down and they've been deceived.
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