THE Government’s neglect of the experience economy, which covers hospitality, tourism, the arts, sport and entertainment, is now showing in collapsing business confidence and rising concern for jobs nationwide, according to Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn.

‘Half of all businesses in the experience economy have lost confidence in the future. These are the hotels, restaurants, theatres and attractions that define Ireland’s reputation abroad and keep hundreds of thousands of people in work. The warning signs are flashing red and the Government is asleep at the wheel,’ said Deputy O’Flynn.

He pointed to recent IBEC findings showing that 49% of firm are now less confident than six months ago, while seven in ten fear Ireland is losing its appeal as a tourism destination.

‘This is not a temporary blip, it is a structural problem caused by higher taxes, rising costs and a failure to support small operators who are the backbone of our communities.’

Deputy O’Flynn added that rising wage pressure, relentless regulation and the withdrawal of targeted supports have combined to leave many businesses in an impossible situation.

‘When you make it more expensive to employ people, raise insurance and energy costs and pull away the safety nets that kept businesses open, the result is inevitable with closures, layoffs and a slow decline in one of Ireland’s most important sectors.’

He added that the industry employs over 300,000 people and contributes €4bn to the economy every year.

‘The Government should be defending those jobs with the same energy it spends defending its own record. If we lose confidence in this sector, we lost part of Ireland’s identity.’