Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019
150. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the introduction of a merchant's incentive scheme to grant small businesses easier access to point of sales terminals will be examined; and when the new digital strategy will be completed and published. [42494/19]
View answerIn order to support the retail sector, I introduced the pilot Online Retail Scheme in 2018. The Scheme’s purpose was to support Irish retailers to strategically enhance their online sales capabilities to increase competitiveness and subsequently scale their businesses in international markets.
Separately the Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS) is available to retailers through the Local Enterprise Offices. This is an initiative under the Government’s National Digital Strategy. The initiative is funded through the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and delivered through the Local Enterprise Offices network. The TOVS helps small businesses increase trade online to boost their sales and reach new markets. The Scheme offers the opportunity for businesses to develop their website or digital marketing strategy by availing of vouchers of up to €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure. Funding can be used towards eligible costs such as digital marketing strategies, e- commerce websites or app development.
At this time, I have no plans to introduce a merchant’s incentive scheme.
The process of developing the National Digital Strategy is being led as a shared effort by the Department of the Taoiseach; Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation; and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, reflecting the breadth of areas it will cover. Furthermore, an Inter-Departmental Group has been working to guide the formation of the Strategy. The document is at draft stage and consultations with Departments and stakeholders are ongoing.
It is intended to bring the Strategy to Cabinet in due course and decisions regarding the next steps will be a matter for Government decision.
