I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme. The first phase closed for applications on 8th March and phase 2 will be launched shortly. The scheme is administered by Fáilte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information on this scheme and direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
The Deputy will be aware that €10m was made available under the Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme, to assist Republic of Ireland based Inbound Tour Operators, Destination Management Companies and Professional Conference Organisers who package, sell and distribute Ireland’s tourism product overseas and who have suffered significant losses as a result of COVID-19. This scheme closed for applications on 8th December, 2020 with all payments from the scheme completed by 29th January 2021.
The Government is committed to supporting tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. As set out in "The Path Ahead", the Government 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.
