Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
317. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she has had discussions with other Departments on assisting professional tour guides during the Covid-19 pandemic; if consideration has been given to an assistance package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25492/20]
View answerI am acutely aware of how badly impacted professional tourist guides have been by the COVID-19 crisis due to the lack of international tourists. Tourist guides provide a vital service to the tourism industry. They are important ambassadors in the tourism experience, promoting our excellent tourism product and we will need them when our overseas visitors return.
The July Stimulus measures are a significant part of our response to the COVID-19 crisis and will help ensure Ireland’s businesses get back on their feet and as many people as possible can return to work, when it is safe to do so. These measures were in addition to other Governments supports already in place. They provide supports for businesses to retain existing jobs and to create new jobs, and they will help build confidence in consumers and communities all over Ireland.
The Tourism Recovery Taskforce is expected to publish its Final Recovery Plan in the coming weeks and I will consider its recommendations in the context of the Budget and the development of the National Economic Plan, at which point the Government will review and refine existing supports, and consider any further necessary measures required as a consequence of COVID-19.
