Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Questions (355)

Seán Canney

Question:

355. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she plans to take to assist the chauffeur drive sector which has been badly affected by the downturn in tourism numbers and in view of the fact that many are unable to avail of the various schemes such as the Covid-19 adaptation fund, the coach tourism business continuity grant and the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the sector plays a vital role in the tourism industry particularly in the west of Ireland and is an important link between various tourism services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34798/20]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I fully appreciate the important role the chauffeur drive sector plays as a vital component in supporting the wider tourism industry including hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops in all parts of the country. Budget 2021 included a number of further substantial measures to support and strengthen the tourism sector and are supplemented by the economy-wide business supports and social welfare measures.

A key measure was the provision of an additional €55m in Business Continuity funding to support strategic tourism businesses. This funding will be administered by Fáilte Ireland and focused on those strategic businesses. Fáilte Ireland are currently engaging with those tourism sectors in the design of funding schemes taking into account the effect of other horizontal funding measures.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for any further information in this regard. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51