Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
271. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if particular supports have been provided to charter boat operators that have seen their income devastated since the start of the pandemic and that have fixed expenses to meet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10224/21]
View answerI understand the Deputy has clarified that he is referring to leisure boat operators who operate primarily in the tourism sector.
A €26m COVID-19 Adaptation fund for tourism businesses was made available under the July Stimulus Package. This funding was provided to tourism businesses, including eligible cruise hire companies and boat tour operators, to contribute towards the cost of implementing Fáilte Ireland's guidelines for reopening.
Fáilte Ireland recently launched a Tourism Business Continuity Scheme (TBCS) to provide support for tourism businesses which have not received COVID-19 support from other schemes. The scheme is administered by Fáilte Ireland.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further details on the business continuity scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
