Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I am aware of the serious difficulties, which the Deputy has raised, arising for Irish licensed travel agents and tour operators in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the catastrophic collapse of overseas travel and tourism. This sector is among that category of businesses that have not been able to reclaim any meaningful level of lost business over the last 6 months. It is in response to this situation - which is impacting on many viable businesses across the country - that the Budget contains historic levels of State support for the SME sector in the form of wage supports, financial grants, and waived commercial rates. Taken together, I would be hopeful that these unprecedented measures will help safeguard the travel sector throughout the difficult months ahead so that they will be ready to trade fully again when the worst of this pandemic has passed.