Sean McKiernan Announced as Seanad Nominee

RESTAURANTS ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND ANNOUNCES SEANAD NOMINEE

31^st March 2016, Dublin.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland is delighted to announce its Seanad Election 2016 and Industrial and Commercial Panel nominee as Sean McKiernan. McKiernan is the current Deputy Chairman of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board and is standing on the platform of pro-tourism, pro-jobs and pro-business. The Restaurants Association calls for support in his candidacy.

A former Chairman and member of Cavan County Council, McKiernan has advocated a freezing of commercial rates, advocated a reform of rates legislation nationally and put forward motions appealing for the introduction, and then the retention, of the 9% Tourism VAT rate.

He was actively involved in hosting the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan Town in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and in developing the West Cavan Burren Geopark as well as the Taste of Cavan Festival. He has actively worked to boost tourism numbers and ensure the maintenance of arts and tourism budgets in a tough economic period both locally and nationally.

Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins noted, “We are delighted to announce Seán as our Seanad Election and I&C panel nominee. He has proven himself to be pro tourism, pro jobs and pro-business. He will be a great representative for the sector”.

McKiernan has previously worked with the Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English T.D., McKiernan and can see the huge potential for apprenticeships and traineeships to fill the skills gap that exists in the restaurant industry, particularly with regards to chefs.

Seanad election nominee Seán McKiernan commented, “I am really delighted to be picked 1st of 31 candidates to represent the Restaurants Association of Ireland in the Seanad Elections on the Industrial and Commercial Panel next month.

Each year RAI members contribute some €2 billion to the Irish economy and represent 72,000 jobs or 1 in 4 jobs in the hospitality industry. They have played a crucial role in our economic recovery and are a key part of our unique tourism offering on this island. I look forward to working closely with the RAI on promoting a pro-tourism, pro-business and pro-jobs agenda in the next Seanad. Having worked closely with the Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English T.D., addressing the skills shortage in the restaurant and wider hospitality industry will be a priority for me.”

McKiernan continued, “The next Seanad is unlikely to have a clear Government majority, and this presents exciting possibilities to really examine and improve legislation passed by the Dáil. Coming from the Border County of Cavan issues like Brexit and need for a better deal for rural Ireland will also be high on my list of priorities.”

McKiernan, 34, is from Bailieborough in Co. Cavan. He was a member of the Fine Gael National Executive for 12 years and was its Vice Chairman for five years. McKiernan gives PR and Policy advice to Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English T.D. along with other members of the Oireachtas. He has a background of local and national voluntary work in the fields of mental health, childcare and social housing.