Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
30. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will meet with representatives of the car rental industry to hear and find solutions for Covid-19-related issues regarding the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45046/20]
View answerWhile sectorial development responsibility spans a range of Government Departments, as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment I am always interested in hearing industry insights into sectorial challenges to inform a strategic and coherent approach to economic development. Officials in my Department have examined submissions from the car rental industry throughout the course of the pandemic. I also note that a representative from the industry was invited to participate in the virtual stakeholder engagement event we held in October to inform the development of the National Economic Plan.
I recognise the severe impact the pandemic has had on international tourism and consequently, the car rental market, and that recovery is dependent on the opening up of international travel. I am aware of the fundamental role that the car rental industry plays in supporting overseas tourism and providing the opportunity for tourists to visit all parts of the country, particularly the less accessible rural areas. This is crucial to local economies and jobs.
Measures introduced in the July Stimulus had a wide reach across the economy and respond to many of the needs outlined by the sector. Budget 2021 allocated significant additional resources to Departments to provide supports to sectors. I would highlight the €395m provided to the Department of Transport and the €222m allocated to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
These monies are additional to the other schemes available from bodies under my own Department such as credit guarantee schemes and supports provided to business via EI, InterTrade Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices. The Revenue tax debt warehousing scheme and the COVID restrictions support scheme are also available to businesses to help them manage the impact of the pandemic.
Maintaining a competitive business environment will be a core focus of the forthcoming National Economic Plan. Government is aware that insurance reform is a priority for the car rental sector and there is a shared determination across Government to reduce insurance costs and improve availability of cover. The Government will drive the implementation of the recently published Action Plan for Insurance Reform which will see insurance reform in three broad areas over the next 18 months: tackling cost concerns and increasing transparency; legal reforms; and PIAB reform and increasing competition.
