Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

438. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the issues raised in a budget 2020 submission (details supplied) taking into account the additional challenges facing the sector due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38330/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department continues to work with the haulage industry, including representative organisations, in relation to the sector. The haulage sector plays an important role in our economy and I recognise that it faces particular difficulties in the face of Brexit. Brexit preparedness and contingency work is being taken forward on a whole of Government basis, across all Government Departments and Agencies.

My Department is aware of the submission made the Irish Road Haulage Association in relation to Budget 2020. However, the issues and proposals therein are primarily for my colleague the Minister for Finance. I note that he has also received this question and can be expected to reply directly in this regard.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

439. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to the issues raised in a budget 2020 submission by an organisation (details supplied) in respect of the tourism sector and concerns in relation to the difficulties that Brexit that will cause for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38333/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the severe negative effects that a no deal Brexit would have on the tourism sector, in particular in the border regions. Accordingly, while the Budget is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, I am making a strong case for tourism in all my pre-budget discussions with my Government colleagues to best mitigate the impact of Brexit on the tourism industry.

A number of the other issues raised such as taxation, local authority rates and insurance costs are not under the aegis of my Department, however I continue to represent tourism interests in the development of policies across Government on these and other matters that impact on the competitiveness of our tourism industry.