Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

736. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the support mechanisms available to assist commercial bus operators that are currently operating services at reduced capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13580/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On the 25th of June, Government announced changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions. It has been agreed to move from 2 metres social distancing on public transport to 50% capacity. This will help to underpin public transport during these unprecedented times for the sector, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. The Government also decided to legally require the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to age (under 13). These measures will protect both passengers and staff and significantly help ease the pressure on operators by reducing the gap between public transport supply and demand.

Further, on the 25th of June Government agreed new temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, will be introduced for the licensed bus sector. Licensed operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery. These supports are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package will be restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and will be targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and revenues generated on the services. The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the public transport licensing agency, will administer the support package through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.

Furthermore, the Government previously introduced a €12bn package of supports for impacted businesses of all sizes, which include: the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.