Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

114. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of meetings he has had with businesses, workers and representatives of the events industry since July 2020; and the dates of each meeting. [43286/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have had a number of meetings with stakeholders as follows;

9 September 2020 MCD Productions

16 December 2020 Hospitality Forum

15 January 2021 Hoteliers, Restauranteurs

10 March 2021 Hospitality Forum

24 March 2021 EPIC (Events Production Industry Covid Working Group)

13 April 2021 Irish Amusement Trades Association

2 June 2021 Hospitality Forum

14 June 2021 Irish Showman's Guild

30 June 2021 Hospitality Forum

30 August 2021 Members of the Arts and Live Events Industry

Note that this may not be an exhaustive list and does not include ongoing engagement with the sector at official level and with other Ministers in the Department.

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

117. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on any meetings or engagements he or his Department have held with the play and leisure industry or amusement trade associations. [43475/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Ministerial colleagues and I in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have engaged with various sectors throughout this pandemic to assess the required supports needed for businesses to rebuild and recover.

Earlier this year, I met with the Irish Amusement Trade Association and representatives of the Irish Showman’s Guild and my colleague Minister Damien English TD has engaged with Play Activity & Leisure Ireland (PALI).

As the Deputy is aware, the Government have published Ireland’s plan for the next and final phase response to the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting. During the period between 1 September and 22 October, the gradual approach to reopening will continue, from the 20^thof September leisure facilities where patrons have defined areas which are pre-booked may open. Subject to the continuation of this progress, we will enter a final phase on 22 October, which will see the majority of restrictions lifted and replaced by guidance and advice.

The Government has provided a broad package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, details of the ongoing supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).

For the play and leisure sector I would highlight that eligible business can now apply for the Government's new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS). My colleague, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD, on 6^thSeptember last announced the launch of the BRSS as a new support scheme for businesses with reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions, with a maximum payment of €15,000. The BRSS is a general scheme and is open to any businesses whose turnover remains impacted as a result of public health restrictions. Businesses who previously availed of other schemes such and SBASC, the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme and CRSS will be eligible to apply provided they meet the qualifying criteria.

I remain open to meeting with the various trade organisations to continue the valuable discussions.