Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and fiscal measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. These measures are in addition to the July Stimulus measures, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, tax warehousing, low cost loans and commercial rates waivers.
Through the PUP and EWSS, the Government is supporting incomes for workers and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) offers support to businesses forced to close their premises or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID of up to €5,000 per week. The cut in the 13.5% VAT rate down to 9% will benefit the self-catering sector once those businesses are allowed to open again.
Fáilte Ireland has created an extensive range of business supports to guide self-catering businesses to operate during COVID-19. These have been developed in consultation with industry experts and are available on Fáilte Ireland’s website.
As part of the July stimulus measures, a €26million COVID-19 Adaptation Fund was made available to help tourism and hospitality businesses, including the self catering sector, to offset some of the costs incurred in adapting their premises or operations for re-opening. The administration of the Adaptation fund is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for any further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
