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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020

Thursday, 1 October 2020

Ceisteanna (25)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

25. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the supports available to the tourist industry, including tour operators and guides, in view of the extent of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27431/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am acutely aware of how badly impacted tour operators and guides have been by COVID-19. These businesses provide a vital service to the tourism industry and are important ambassadors in the tourism experience and promoting our excellent tourism product. We will need them when our overseas visitors return.

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 will 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.  In addition 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.

 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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