The number of people employed in the hospitality sector is down from 180,000 to 140,000.

A bounce-back is expected in the hospitality industry with 15% of pubs still yet to open this year.

Alan Barrett, CEO, ESRI, Michelle Murphy, Research and Policy Analyst Social Justice Ireland, James Benson, Irish Homes Builders Association and Patricia Callan, Director of Drinks Ireland joined The Last Word to discuss.

Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.