Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
131. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it will be ensured that the guidelines for the safe reopening of the hospitality sector are connected with the indoor and outdoor space available to a business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23041/21]
View answerI understand that Fáilte Ireland, which operates under the aegis of my colleague Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has published re-opening guidelines tailored to various sectors of the Irish hospitality and tourism industry. These guidelines are available on the Fáilte Ireland website.
Fáilte Ireland has worked closely with key industry groups to develop these detailed operational guidelines. The guidelines are designed to support business owners and management in the wider tourism sector as they tackle the challenges specific to their industry and offer detailed advice on the systems that should be put in place to help instill public confidence, and reboot businesses, while adhering to public health advice and Government protocols.
These guidelines are regularly updated in line with Public Health advice from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the National Public Health Emergency Team, including on the application of social distancing requirements in specific, defined and controlled environments in the tourism and/or hospitality sectors.
I also understand that Fáilte Ireland is providing funding to Local Authorities for outdoor infrastructure and, also, through Local Authorities to the tourism and hospitality sectors for suitable equipment. The Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme is a Capital Grants scheme developed in collaboration with Local Authorities which will allow for the upgrade and enhancement of streets and public spaces including weather-proofing solutions which will facilitate outdoor dining.
