Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
659. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will extend the inbound agents continuity scheme for the remainder of 2021 and 2022 in view of the fact that the inbound market replies on countries that are now on the prescribed list for mandatory hotel quarantine (details supplied). [20532/21]
View answer660. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied) from a representative body regarding the continuation of the inbound agents continuity scheme; and his plans to introduce further supports for this sector. [20533/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 659 and 660 together.
I am aware of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the inbound agents sector and was pleased to make a fund of €10m available, through Fáilte Ireland, for the Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme. The scheme has assisted inbound tour operators, destination management companies and professional conference organisers by providing a direct financial contribution to support their business continuity plans.
I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, Government will be outlining how it will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As part of that plan, along with my colleagues in Government, we will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.
