Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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368. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if financial supports will be extended into 2022 for tour operators (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21853/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I am aware of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the inbound agents sector and was pleased to make a fund of €10m available for the Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme. The scheme has assisted inbound tour operators, destination management companies and professional conference organisers by providing a direct financial contribution to support their business continuity plans.

I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, Government will be outlining how it will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As part of that plan, along with my colleagues in Government, we will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.