Brendan Griffin
Ceist:75. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to assist hospitality enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18817/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 April 2022
Ceisteanna (75)
Freagraí scríofa
There have been a wide range of measures taken by government to provide support for business during the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. These supports include access to appropriate and affordable finance, and the Government, working with agencies, the banking sector and alternative finance providers offers additional targeted supports where there are market failures. Further information can be found on my Department’s website at: enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-for-smes/access-to-finance/.
The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme makes €2 billion in lending available for working capital and investment purposes, the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme makes up to €330 million in lending available to Brexit impacted SMEs and the Future Growth Loan Scheme provides for €800 million in lending to SMEs for support strategic investment purpose.
In March 2021, the Tánaiste launched the Local Enterprise Office “Green for Micro” programme which offers green transition advice and technical support to a wide range of micro-enterprises with 10 or fewer employees, including those operating in the hospitality sector. This support is free of charge for eligible enterprises and represents the potential for increased efficiencies within companies that adopt these principles.
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVs) offers a voucher of up to €2,500 to help businesses develop their online trading capability, including training sessions. Funding can be used towards adding payment facilities or booking systems to their website or developing new apps for their customers. The Scheme is open to a broad base of businesses with fewer than 10 employees, including those operating in the hospitality sector.
The recently launched Climate Toolkit 4 Business is an important resource for SMEs and micro enterprises. The Toolkit directs users to advice, grants and other resources available from the LEOs, EI, SEAI, Irish Water, EPA, IDA and others.
In relation to specific supports for the hospitality sector the Government and my colleague, Minister Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media responded to the COVID-19 crisis by establishing a Tourism Recovery Taskforce and Recovery Oversight Group, the introduction of business continuity supports, outdoor dining and urban animation schemes, as well as a range of horizontal measures to support tourism businesses survive the pandemic and reopen in a safe and sustainable manner. The 9% VAT rate for hospitality which remains in place until 31 August 2022.
In Budget 2022, €50 million was secured to provide financial supports to tourism businesses along with a €35m increase in the Tourism Marketing Fund to support the delivery of a marketing strategy to help restore inbound tourism to Ireland.
Further funding will also be invested in domestic marketing and festivals, the Digital that Delivers investment programme, skills development and staff retention and tourism product development (for the delivery of enhanced visitor experiences in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021-2030).