Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

30. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding travel agencies in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34008/20]

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

I am fully aware that the travel trade sector has not been able to reclaim any meaningful level of lost trade over the past 6 months. It is an SME sector, and as such travels agents and tour operators have access to all of the various business supports made available in the July stimulus package and in last month's Budget. Budget 2021 contains historic levels of State support for the SME sector in the form of wage supports, financial grants and waived commercial rates.

In addition, under current Level 5 Covid restrictions, travel agents and tour operators operating from business premises that customers are prohibited or significantly restricted from accessing may be eligible for the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). Any queries in relation to the operation of the CRSS should be directed to the Revenue Commissioners. Taken together, I would be hopeful that these significant measures will help safeguard the travel sector throughout the difficult months ahead so that it will be ready to trade fully again when circumstances permit.