Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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141. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18130/20]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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147. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered proposals by an organisation (details supplied); the steps which will be taken to protect this sector; if he will meet with the representative body [18247/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 147 together.

My Department has been engaging directly with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland on a regular basis in relation to the impact of Covid-19.

Minister Martin and I are acutely aware of how badly impacted the coach tourism sector has been by the crisis. These businesses are a vital part of Irish tourism and we will need them when our overseas visitors return. That is why, as part of the July Stimulus Package, Minister Martin has asked Fáilte Ireland to develop a Business Continuity Scheme to help these businesses through this very difficult period. Fáilte Ireland will now engage with the sector to develop this scheme which has been allocated €10m in funding.

The July Stimulus package supplements the Government supports already in place. The overall package of direct employment supports, cash grants, demand stimulation measures and tax reliefs will help ensure that Ireland’s tourism businesses, such as those involved in Coach Tourism, can survive and get back on their feet, when the tourism recovery begins.