Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021
15. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the financial support and business assistance available specifically to the corporate transport and travel sector given that most supports have been focused on the sectors involved in the tourism element of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21067/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. Many firms in the travel sector have availed of various Government SME supports such as the Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). They may also be eligible to warehouse VAT and PAYE (Employer) debts and also excess payments received by employers under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the balance of Income Tax for 2019 and Preliminary Tax for 2020 for self-assessed taxpayers, if applicable. In addition, the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is providing grants to help cover some fixed costs such as rent and utilities for those firms that fall outside of the scope of CRSS and other direct sectoral grant schemes.
Furthermore, the State is also providing a special financial guarantee under a Refund Credit Note scheme for the licensed travel trade sector. This has been an important measure in protecting the cash position of travel firms - who are unquestionably stressed - allowing them to issue State-guaranteed notes to the aggregate cash value of around €19M.
I am mindful that the corporate transport and travel sector has been especially impacted by COVID 19 and Government’s position on international travel due to public health considerations. The Government remains fully committed to doing everything possible to support all those affected by this terrible virus, including continuing to help businesses survive until such times as they can being to trade again.
