Written Answers Nos. 829-853
829. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reintroduce the cliff rescue section in Gweedore, County Donegal, which was disbanded a number of years ago; the amount saved by closing this particular cliff rescue section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10736/20]
View answerThe provision of Irish Coast Guard cliff rescue services in Donegal is currently provided by the Greencastle, Mulroy and Killybegs Coast Guard Units. There is also an ability to transport any of these three units to an island on the Sligo based Coast Guard Rescue helicopter. There are currently 17 strategically placed Coast Guard units around the coast who provide cliff rescue capabilities. There has been further development of these units in 2019 with the issuing of new equipment.
A Value for Money review of the Coast Guard service, published in 2012, recommended the continuation of boat and shoreline rescue service and cessation of cliff training for the Bunbeg unit which is twinned with Tory Island. The strategic decision was to retain cliff rescue services in neighbouring CGUs, Mulroy and Killybegs. The recommendation arose principally because of the non-utilisation of the cliff service balanced against the safety considerations of delivering a highly technical and intrinsically hazardous activity.
The Coast Guard, having monitored the demand for cliff rescue services has noted that the level of call outs responded to by Bunbeg/Tory Island CGU does not justify the maintenance of a cliff rescue service. For a CGU to engage in a high risk activity that demands a high level of resources in terms of training time, equipment and supervision, the benefits must clearly outweigh the risks. The maintenance of a cliff rescue team has been deprioritised, thus enabling the unit to concentrate on its boat rescue and shoreline search operations, which are regularly called into action. The investment which my Department has made in the Coast Guard rescue helicopter services has mitigated some of the demands for cliff rescue services.
The Bunbeg/Tory Island CGU will continue to be a well-resourced team while the enhancement of boat rescue services and shoreline search by the unit will continue to be the priority based on need and risk.
830. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons awaiting appointments for a driver licence by age, location and length of time respectively, in tabular form. [10747/20]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
831. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place with the Commissioners of Irish Lights for deployment under public health guidelines. [10749/20]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to measures taken by CIL in the face of the Covid19 crisis.
The Commissioners of Irish Lights, as the General Lighthouse Authority for Ireland, operates an essential maritime safety service around the island of Ireland. They have continued to provide this service throughout the pandemic.
The following measures have been put in place to protect staff and third parties persons to deliver on services:
- From the commencement of the crisis Irish Lights has provided guidance and support to all staff on compliance with Government and HSE advice. During the containment phase all recommended measures were followed including availability of sanitisers, advice on respiratory hygiene and social distancing.
Following the Taoiseach’s announcement on 12th March and commencement of the delay phase additional measures were put in place:-
- All staff who could work remotely were instructed to work from home.
- Work on the coast was reduced to essential maintenance only. Staff travelling to work on the coast were instructed to limit car occupancy to 1 person per car and were issued with individual Covid-19 PPE including gloves, wipes and masks.
- Where travel by helicopter was required the number of passengers was reduced to 2 and arrangements made for separation of the pilot from the passengers and for cleaning of the aircraft.
- Essential buoy production continued in Dun Laoghaire with strict social distancing and reduced staff.
- The ship, ILV Granuaile, was isolated and all crew interaction with shore limited to essential activity such as crew change. The ship is fully operational.
- Regular contact is maintained with all staff to ensure they are coping well with the new arrangements and to keep them up to date with Government and HSE guidance and requirements.
Lighthouse tourism sites operated through the Great Lighthouses of Ireland brand were closed to the public throughout.
Irish Lights continues to operate under the regime above and will be arranging a gradual return to the workplace in compliance with the Return to Work Protocol.
832. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of electronic tag users over 2019; the number of electronic tag uses on all tolls in 2019, in tabular form; the domestic and EU regulations pertaining to electronic tags on toll roads with respect to the charging of fees; and the regulation of fees between cash payments, debit and credit cards and electronic tags for road tolls availed of by users. [10771/20]
View answer833. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if each road toll location provides electronic debit and credit card payments in view of Covid-19; if not, the reason; the location of each toll road that currently provides debit and credit card payment facilities by county in tabular form; the toll locations that do not provide debit and credit card payment facilities; and his plans to ensure that all road toll locations should provide such card facilities in view of Covid-19. [10772/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 833 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
834. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the recently announced quarantine proposals aimed at people flying here; if his attention has been drawn to the position of an association (details supplied) on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10781/20]
View answerControlling the spread of Covid-19 remains a priority for the Irish Government and any measures put in place are done so with the objective of protecting public health.
The Department of Health, as the lead Government Department in relation to Ireland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, established the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on 27 January 2020, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer. The NPHET oversees and provides national direction on the development and implementation of the strategy to contain Covid-19 in Ireland and measures to protect public health and my Department assists with the implementation of these measures.
Currently, persons arriving to Ireland from overseas are asked to self-isolate for 14 days with exceptions for essential supply chain workers such as a pilots, hauliers, or maritime staff members. As of Thursday 28 May 2020 a Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form must be completed by all persons entering the State. It is currently a legal requirement for passengers arriving in Ireland from overseas to complete the Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form.
My Department, through the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee is coordinating the implementation of measures aimed at promoting health safety and virus control throughout the aviation journey once airlines resume regular flight schedules, with due regard to the maintenance of aviation safety and security standards. A National Code of Practice in this regard is expected to be finalised shortly.
I also recently established an Aviation Recovery Task Force, to examine and make recommendations on what needs to be done to restore Irish aviation to supprt the wider economic recovery. The Task Force will prepare an Aviation Recovery Action Plan setting out recommendations for consideration by Government as appropriate. I have asked that the Action Plan be concluded by 10 July.
835. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10806/20]
View answerDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months. If it is the case that the NDLS centres have not re-opened before the extension period expires, the possibility of a further extension will be examined.
The RSA has been working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness testing resumed on 18 May, with the National Driver Licensing Service, National Car Tests, and Driver Theory Tests resuming from 8 June, on a gradual basis. All of the resumed services are now subject to appropriate public health protocols. Services must be booked in advance, and people should follow the required protocols for the sake of their own health and that of others. Further information is available at www.rsa.ie
The resumption of driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 4 of the Government's roadmap.
Dates for the resumption of the driving test, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
836. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a property (details supplied) is owned by CIÉ; and if so, if the property is for sale. [10807/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport nor decisions on the disposal of CIÉ property, which are subject to the provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The issue raised is a matter for Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
838. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the changes and-or amendments made to the memorandum of understanding with an association (details supplied) in respect of reform and grant conditions of the association; the way in which approval is sought to make amendments to the memorandum; the amount of funding granted to the association in 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10841/20]
View answerA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 30 January 2020 by me and the Chairperson of the National Governing Body (NGB) mentioned by the Deputy. The MOU is underpinned by a Government decision. It established the framework for the restoration of funding from the Government to the NGB, the provision of additional funding over the period 2020-2023 and the responsibilities of each party. Crucially, the MOU requires the NGB to adopt best practice standards of Corporate Governance and Financial Management. The key cornerstone for the improvements required will be the changes at Board level, especially the move to include six independent directors, one of whom shall chair the Board of the NGB. No amendments have been made to the MOU and none have been requested. Given the short period of time since the agreement of the MOU, it would not be appropriate to seek any changes and I have no plans to propose any.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the amount of funding granted to the association to date in 2020. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
839. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review and-or expand the medical eligibility criteria for parking permits or cards for disabled persons with the aim to accommodate those with an intellectual disability or developmental disorder, that on foot of an occupational therapy or general practitioner report are identified as persons who for safety reasons would benefit from disabled parking bays closer to shops and services. [10844/20]
View answerThe Disabled Parking Permit (also known as the European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, and also to those who are registered blind. In 2010 the Department conducted a review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, in consultation with various stakeholders and one of the issues examined was eligibility for the scheme. As a result of the review the scheme was revised so that permits are now given on the basis of mobility impairment rather than the diagnosis of a particular condition or illness. This is in line with the original intention of the scheme.
The possibility of extending the eligibility criteria for the scheme to include people with certain intellectual, developmental and other invisible disabilities has been raised on a number of occasions and the Department has consulted extensively with the joint issuing authorities of the scheme, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWC), on this matter. In light of these consultations there are currently no plans to change the criteria.
I would particularly emphasise to the Deputy that issuing a large number of extra permits by extending the eligibility criteria would in fact put the existing scheme under significant additional pressure and compromise the availability of disabled parking spaces in general, thus disadvantaging those with restricted mobility who are currently eligible.
840. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the decision by a company (details supplied) to make its workforce here redundant; his further views on the announcement by the company that persons made redundant will be paid only statutory entitlements and that having laid off all employees based here it will operate from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10900/20]
View answerThe aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge.
In order to assist businesses and protect employment, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for companies of all sizes, including those in the aviation sector. I understand that these measures are open to Cityjet during this difficult time.
However, it would not be appropriate for my Department to intervene in the ongoing examinership process. Industrial relations are a matter for the airline and its employees and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has no role in relation to such matters.
841. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when gyms and fitness centres can reopen to the public. [10916/20]
View answerThe Government-approved Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, and its specific phasing, is based on public health advice. Compliance with the various requirements attaching to each phase of the Roadmap is essential to ensure continued progress against the COVID-19 pandemic. The roadmap provides for the reopening of gyms, where regular and effective cleaning can be carried out and social distancing can be maintained, as part of the final phase i.e. from the 20th of July, 2020.
I have established an Expert Group on Return to Sport, which will provide guidance to the sporting bodies so that they can prepare for the phased return to sporting activity in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society. In this context it is necessary that each sporting body prepares a detailed protocol setting out the manner in which it proposes to achieve compliance with the restrictions applicable to each phase.
The Government has recognised the importance of sport and physical activity in the development and phasing of the Roadmap. Phase 2 of the Roadmap, which commenced on 8 June, permits certain outdoor sports and physical activities, including fitness classes, in groups of no more than 15 people, subject to the maintenance of social distancing and compliance with the prevailing travel restrictions.
842. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has restored funding to an association (details supplied) in 2020 in respect of the programmes supported in previous years; if so, the amount granted; the purpose it will be used for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10926/20]
View answer843. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he and-or SOLAS restored funding to an association (details supplied) in 2020 in respect of the programmes supported in previous years; if so, the amount granted; the purpose it will be used for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10927/20]
View answer844. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has restored funding to an association (details supplied) in 2020 in respect of the programmes supported in previous years; if so, the amount granted; the purpose it will be used for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10929/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 842 to 844, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will be aware that on 30th January the Government approved an agreement to participate in a joint funding package for the association mentioned by the Deputy, subject to certain conditions.
The agreement includes the restoration of Sport Ireland funding of €2.9 million to the association under its Field Sports grant funding programme, in line with previous years. Sport Ireland's investment under this programme is broadly aimed at encouraging and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in football across Ireland.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply with additional information in relation to the restoration of this funding in 2020. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
I have no responsibility in relation to the allocation of funding by SOLAS. That is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills.
845. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when approved driving instructors can resume driving lessons. [10968/20]
View answerAs a private company, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses. The National Return to Work Safely Protocol was developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.
However, I expect a driving school to encounter the same difficulties as the RSA in terms of complying with the requirements of this Protocol. To put this in perspective, on a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 4 of the Government's roadmap.
I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
846. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to ensure that the Covid-19 social distancing transport and public realm plans being proposed by the National Transport Authority take into account the needs of persons with disabilities; if consultation will take place with service user and representative groups; if the proposals are in line with guidance and best practice on access for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10969/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
I understand that the Deputy's Question relates to the Dublin City Covid Mobility Programme. While the Programme was developed jointly between Dublin City Council (DCC) and the NTA, it is Dublin City Council which has responsibility for implementing this Programme. I understand that DCC has published its contact points for the Programme, so that individuals and groups can contact DCC directly to outline any specific concerns which they have about the implementation of the Programme.
847. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the investment by his Department in the delivery of public transport services in each county in each of the past five years other than by national transport companies. [10971/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. The delivery of public transport services is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
848. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the transport coordination unit investment by his Department delivered in each county in each of the past five years. [10972/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
849. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will resume (details supplied). [10990/20]
View answerThe RSA has been working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives. A number of services have now reopened on a phased basis.
The resumption of driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 4 of the Government's roadmap.
Dates for the resumption of the driving test, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
850. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will instruct an airline (details supplied) to discharge its responsibilities to customers who booked flights with the airline which were subsequently cancelled due to Covid-19 and promptly provide refunds to those customers who want them and vouchers to those who are willing to accept them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10994/20]
View answer856. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if guidance will be given to consumers regarding summer flights to European destinations as current guidelines advise against flying; if airlines will refund consumers for flights already booked but not cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11022/20]
View answer860. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports in place in circumstances in which an airline is insisting on travel as flights will be available but the family have medical concerns and do not wish to travel. [11029/20]
View answer884. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that persons who had paid for airline travel and in circumstances in which it is necessary to cancel such travel due to Covid-19 restrictions and quarantine requirements, will have full refunds of the cost of tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11510/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 850, 856, 860 and 884 together.
As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations and other scenarios, including long delays. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law. I understand, however, that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market in instances where flights are not cancelled, and having regard to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, is to offer their customers the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or to receive a voucher. In some instances airlines are waiving charges on rebooking and offering additional incentives such as extra value on vouchers.
Clearly the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions across the globe. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses.
I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances, and it is something that I have raised directly with the two main Irish airlines. I have asked that they take a fresh look at their current offerings to customers, that they bring more clarity to the messaging around entitlements and information on refund timeframes, and that they show discretion in favour of customers whose circumstances clearly make it unreasonable to expect them to travel, even if flights go. In looking to the future recovery, seeking ways to rebuild consumer confidence will be integral to initiating and indeed sustaining any future recovery for all parts of the aviation sector including the airlines.
851. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when sectoral guidelines will be published for hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast accommodation in respect of Covid-19 to facilitate these businesses reopening. [10997/20]
View answer852. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the obligations hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast accommodation must fulfil in respect of Covid-19 before reopening, such as safety plans and so on. [10998/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 851 and 852 together.
On Tuesday 9th June, Fáilte Ireland published operational guidelines to assist tourism businesses – including hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts – reopen safely in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. These guidelines, which were prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities, are intended to assist tourism businesses meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice.
The guidelines comprise eight documents in total – a general overview document plus more detailed guidelines for each of seven sectoral strands (including one for hotels and guesthouses; and another for B&Bs). All the guidelines are available on the Fáilte Ireland website.
853. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if State tourism bodies such as Fáilte Ireland will be working to assist hospitality businesses to reopen in line with best practice Covid-19 guidelines. [10999/20]
View answerThe Government has put in place a number of supports to help businesses deal with the current crisis and many tourism enterprises are now availing these various cross-sectoral economic supports.
In order to support business in the tourism and hospitality sector, Fáilte Ireland has set up a COVID-19 Industry Advisory Group which meets weekly. The purpose of this group is to provide support to the tourism industry and to facilitate the timely sharing of information and insights to help improve the sector's understanding and response to the crisis. Fáilte Ireland has also developed a COVID-19 Business Support Hub which offers a suite of targeted supports for tourism businesses including a series of webinars from experts in each field, as well as advice guides with detailed FAQs and templates where necessary.
To assist tourism businesses reopening in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Fáilte Ireland published guidelines for the tourism sector, prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities. These guidelines are intended to assist tourism businesses meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice.
Following the development of the new guidelines for safe re-opening, Fáilte Ireland is working with tourism businesses to support them to determine the capacity of their business and the financial implications of this new operating model. A new suite of financial recovery supports, a ‘Calculating Capacity’ tool and supports around HR for re-opening are now available on the COVID-19 Business Support Hub.
