The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has said 120,000 jobs in the sector could be lost permanently in the coming two months if action is not taken to help it.
The organisation has put forward a nine-point Covid-19 Crisis Recovery Plan focusing on issues such as VAT reduction, rent measures and wage supports which it says will help save and recover the industry. "Our plan which is the only viable solution for restaurants is on the desks of ministers and departments", said Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI. "We are seeking urgent action to save and recover our industry as nine out of ten restaurants face permanent closure in the months ahead without urgent action." The RAI says around 90% of restaurant here are currently closed.