The Government recognises that the COVID-19 emergency has had an unprecedented impact on our economy, as well as society. It is acknowledged that as the reopening of the economy begins, in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and based on public health advice, businesses will require additional supports on top of the existing measures such as income support schemes and enhanced liquidity supports.
Consequently, on 2 May the Government agreed a package of measures, with a value of over €6bn, to further support small, medium and larger business that are negatively impacted by COVID-19. The package aims to help our businesses to restart, reconnect and rehire staff. It includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. Full details of the package are available at www.gov.ie.
The specific questions raised in the correspondence you reference cover a range of issues, some of which are outside the remit of my Department. A response will issue from my Department in respect of matters within my remit and the correspondence will be forward to other relevant Government Departments for their consideration.