Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
75. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if consideration has been given to introducing a voucher scheme to stimulate tourism and hospitality as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. [21962/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra116. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to introduce a tourism voucher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21958/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 116 together.
The Stay and Spend scheme was set up late last summer to provide targeted support in the off season to accommodation and hospitality businesses most affected by continued restrictions. Established by my colleague Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, this scheme was launched as an innovative approach to incentivise spending in tourism and hospitality. However, public health conditions beyond our control have clearly prevented that. The stop and start nature of the pandemic and the unpredictable consequences of it have resulted in the scheme being underutilised and it is now scheduled to expire at the end of April. It is anticipated that my colleague the Minster for Finance will then take stock and look to what additional measures might be appropriate to put in place.
There have been other very effective supports in place, including the EWSS, CRSS and the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme for strategic tourism businesses. Government has confirmed there will be no cliff edge in supports and we will consider sector specific supports as needed for the recovery of tourism and hospitality as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan. We are hopeful that the summer season will be buoyed by strong numbers in domestic tourism providing much needed business activity within the sector, however, I am cognisant of the seasonal nature of the industry and financial challenges the leaner shoulder and off season months could bring.
