Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
104. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide further details in relation to the grant scheme for outdoor and indoor dining; the engagements she has had and planned engagements with local authorities in relation to planning permissions and licensing laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21961/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI must clarify that the only tourism scheme relating specifically to dining is Fáilte Ireland's Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme being delivered in partnership with local authorities across the country. There is no scheme for indoor dining. As the development and administration of any dining-related schemes are an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred this question to them for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The Government remains committed to supporting tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. In this regard, the Government will soon be publishing a National Economic Recovery Plan outlining how we will help people return to work and support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. 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.
