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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020

Thursday, 1 October 2020

Ceisteanna (133)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the tourism sector can be further assisted in the short and medium term given the severe impact of Covid-19 on the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28049/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tourism has suffered a severe impact as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Along with my colleagues in Government, I have taken a number of measures to help the sector survive this current crisis. The July Stimulus Package introduced significant measures to help support businesses to recover following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the key measures for tourism and hospitality include the “Stay and Spend” initiative, the €26m adaptation grant, the €10m grant for coach tourism and the revised Restart grant which now includes B&B’s.  Tourism enterprises also benefit from wider horizontal supports such as the new Employment Wage Support Scheme, liquidity and enterprise investment measures, warehousing of tax liabilities and the extension for a further three months of the waiver of commercial rates.

As part of its response to COVID-19, and to drive bookings for short breaks and holidays in Ireland in 2020, Fáilte Ireland has invested in a number of domestic holiday campaigns since June of this year.  I have seen at first hand that these campaigns have been successful in getting Irish people to holiday at home.

All of these measures have been of great benefit to the sector. I appreciate, however, that we need to continue to examine ways to ensure that businesses survive and recover. The Tourism Recovery Taskforce appointed in May submitted its report to me this week. It is making a number of recommendations to help the sector to survive the crisis and eventually recover. Along with my colleagues in Government, I will consider its recommendations as we prepare for the Budget and the subsequent National Economic Plan.

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