António Costa specified the scope of this Government measure, integrated in the Economic and Social Stabilisation Programme, during an interview he gave to TVI in São Bento and which was conducted by journalists José Alberto Carvalho and Sérgio Figueiredo.

Asked about specific measures for tourism, the Prime Minister referred that the Economic and Social Stabilisation Programme, now approved by the Council of Ministers, is an exceptional measure for this sector.

"In the payment on account of IRC, which will vary depending on the billing margin, for the entire accommodation and catering sector the exemption from payment is total. The exemption is total regardless of whether they are demonstrating a break in billing," stated António Coast.

According to the prime minister, "the accommodation and catering companies are immediately treated like companies that register a drop in revenue above 40 percent".

This measure will be included in the Supplementary Budget that the Government intends to present on Tuesday, being debated in the Assembly of the Republic on the 19th.