Written Answers Nos. 420-444
420. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the qualifying criteria will be reconsidered for the Covid-19 restart grant for small businesses (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7441/20]
View answerThe new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses is available online on all local authority websites since Friday 22nd May. Eligible businesses who have remained open, or that reopened under phase 1 on 18th May or that are due to reopen in Phase 2 on 8th June under the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to ease the COVID-19 restrictions are encouraged to apply now for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.
The Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro and small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.
I understand the concerns relating to business that do not operate from commercial premises.
However, tradespersons and service providers that operate on a mobile basis or that could continue to work remotely have been better placed to continue to trade and many do not have the same levels of ongoing overheads or reopening costs that a fixed premises business will have. Within the funding available, the priority has been to support those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but who will still have incurred ongoing costs.
The eligibility criteria will be subject to ongoing review and we will continue to take on board issues as they arise.
421. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when guidance will be issued to hairdressers and barbers regarding the steps they will need to take to protect customers and staff before they return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7453/20]
View answerThe Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
On 15th May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday May 18th. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.
Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html.
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
I met recently with members of the hairdressing and beauty industry via teleconference and understand that preparatory work is being undertaken by the hairdressing sector and others in developing guidelines and safety protocols, with reference to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. I requested that, where sectors are developing protocols or guides, they need to work together to align this work. For example, barbers' representative bodies should collaborate with hairdressers representative bodies on a single aligned protocol for their sector. I am keen to support sectors on their safe reopening on this aligned and collaborative basis and should the hairdressing sector wish to send me details of their sectoral protocol, I will be happy to convey these to the Minister for Health.
You should also note that, in order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
On 8th May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30th June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant is equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000. If a company is currently in a rateable premises but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form. If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority. All information including the application form is available on the appropriate local authority website, the details of which are at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/942f74-local-authorities/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amend its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.
422. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications received for the Covid-19 working capital loan scheme by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland to date; the number approved for funding; the number of companies that received loans; the value of the loans issued to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7464/20]
View answerThe SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme opened for eligibility applications on 23 March. The scheme is offered by my Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme is operated by the SBCI. It currently makes available a fund of up to €200m to eligible businesses that have been negatively affected by impacts arising from the outbreak of Covid-19 to enable those businesses to innovate, change or adapt in response to the current business environment. Following my announcement on 8 April this Scheme is now being expanded to make available an additional €250m in lending, which will bring the total amount of lending available under this scheme to €450m.
Loans under this scheme are offered with a maximum interest rate of 4%. This represents a significant saving compared to other similar lending on the market for SMEs. Furthermore, this loan product provides for unsecured loans of up to €500,000. Such a feature would not typically be available through normal bank loan products to SMEs, however, due to the guarantee structure in place for the Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme it was feasible to provide for collateral-free loans and this provides for a significant reassurance for many businesses.
The scheme features a two-stage application process. Businesses must first confirm their eligibility with the SBCI. Successful applicants will be issued an eligibility reference number, which they can then use to apply for a loan with one of the participating finance providers. Approval of loans is subject to the finance providers’ own credit policies and procedures.
As at 18 May, a total of 2,305 candidates have been deemed eligible to apply under the scheme at bank level. Of those, 248 have progressed to sanction at bank level to a total value of €37,811,000 worth of loan approvals.
423. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if sector-specific task forces made up of key stakeholders will be considered to advice on the measures needed to be introduced to facilitate the safe opening of their business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7476/20]
View answerThe national Return to Work Safely Protocol, is the result of a collaborative effort by the Health & Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE), Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Health. It is designed to help employers and workers in all sectors to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. It is a stand-alone Protocol that has also been designed to enable the introduction of further specific measures for particular sectors or workplaces. It is a living document which will change to reflect public health advice.
The Protocol was developed following discussion and agreement at the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), which is the forum for high level dialogue between Government, Union and Employer representatives on matters of strategic national importance. The work has been overseen by the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Meetings of LEEF took place on 9 April and 24 April 2020. In addition to these Plenary meetings, a sub-group dealing specifically with development of the Protocol met on numerous occasions and there were also ongoing bilateral engagements between officials and the members of LEEF as the Protocol was being drafted and signed-off by all parties.
A high-level consultative stakeholder forum, under the aegis of LEEF, has now been established to oversee the implementation of the Protocol as the economy opens up in line with the Government’s Roadmap. As well as representatives from ITCU and Ibec, the forum includes membership from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE), the Departments of Health; Agriculture Food and the Marine; Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Department of the Taoiseach. The first meeting of the Forum was on Friday the 22 of May.
Separately, in addition to the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, the Health and Safety Authority has now produced associated templates and checklists which have been prepared to help employers, business owners and managers to get their business up and running again and to also inform workers preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace (see www.HSA.ie)
The National Standards Authority of Ireland has published guidance documents in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic including a COVID-19 Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide and a COVID-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide which are available on the NSAI website (see www.nsai.ie)
424. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will review the criteria required in order to be eligible for the restart grant for small businesses in view of the fact that it excludes many that do not operate from a commercial property; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many of these small businesses that cannot avail of the restart grant will have severe difficulty in restarting their businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7484/20]
View answerThe application form for the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses is now available online on all local authority websites since Friday 22nd May. Eligible businesses who have remained open, or that reopened under phase 1 on 18th May or that are due to reopen in Phase 2 on 8th June under the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to ease the COVID-19 restrictions are encouraged to apply now for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.
The Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro and small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.
I understand the concerns relating to business that do not operate from commercial premises.
However, some tradespersons and service providers that operate on a mobile basis or that could continue to work remotely have been better placed to continue to trade and many don’t have the same levels of losses, of ongoing overheads or reopening costs that a fixed premises business will have. Within the funding available, the priority has been to support those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but who will still have incurred ongoing costs.
We are also focussed on businesses that have continued to employ people, with the aid of the Temporary Wage Support Scheme, so that those jobs will be retained as soon as the business re-opens.
The eligibility criteria will be subject to ongoing review and we will continue to take on board issues as they arise.
425. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will oblige those employers in receipt of Covid-19 business supports to respect Labour Court recommendations relating to trade union recognition and require the full participation of those same employers in the industrial relations infrastructure of the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7487/20]
View answerIreland's system of Industrial Relations is based in voluntarism. While the right of workers to form associations and join a trade union is enshrined in Article 40 of the Irish Constitution, under Irish law there is no obligation on employers to recognise any union for the purposes of collective bargaining.
However, it has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments to promote collective bargaining through legislation.
The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 which came into effect in August 2015 provides an improved framework in this area for employees’ right to engage in collective bargaining. The 2015 Act provides a clear and balanced mechanism by which the fairness of the employment conditions of workers can be assessed where collective bargaining does not take place. The Act ensures that such workers, aided by a trade union, can advance claims about remuneration and conditions of employment and have these determined by the Labour Court.
In addition to the improved framework introduced in the 2015 Act, the statutory Code of Practice on Victimisation was enhanced in October 2015 to include an explicit prohibition on the use by employers of inducements (financial or otherwise) designed specifically to have staff forego collective representation by a trade union.
426. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to amend the current Covid-19 business supports to ensure direct, targeted and low-cost finance to micro and small businesses; if she has considered a tapered scheme of support for businesses relating to company size; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7490/20]
View answerSince the Covid-19 crisis began, Government has worked to put in place a suite of supports to ensure appropriate financing is available to businesses that have been impacted by the outbreak or by the restrictions that have been put in place to mitigate the spread of the disease. There are currently a number of loan guarantee schemes in place which support the working capital needs of micro and small businesses.
I can assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.
Microfinance Ireland (MFI) was introduced as a support to microenterprises to help them address funding needs and provides loans to microenterprises that do not meet the conventional risk criteria of banks. These loans are available to eligible microenterprises responding to Covid-19-related difficulties, the negative impact of which must be a minimum of 15% of actual or projected income or profit.
MFI provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to businesses that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. Where typical MFI loans are available at an interest rate of 6.8-7.8%, Covid-19 loans are available at an interest rate of 4.5% where the application is made through the network of Local Enterprise Offices around the country, or where referred by a bank or Local Development Committee. Where an application is made directly to MFI, the interest rate is 5.5%. These loans also include an option for a moratorium on interest and repayments for the first six months.
The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme opened for eligibility applications on 23 March. The scheme is offered by my Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). It currently makes available a fund of up to €200m to eligible businesses that are exposed to impacts arising from the outbreak of Covid-19, to enable those businesses to innovate, change or adapt in response to the current business environment.
Loans under this scheme are easier to access and offered at favourable terms when compared with other similar loans in the market, for example the maximum interest rate under the scheme is 4% and loans of up to €500,000 are available unsecured. Applicants may also be able to avail of a three-month interest-only payment period (depending on your lender’s assessment of your application).
Following my announcement on 8 April, this scheme is now being expanded to make available an additional €250m in lending, which will bring the total amount of lending available under this scheme to €450m.
The Future Growth Loan Scheme makes available up to €300 million of long-term loans and is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through participating lenders. This scheme makes funding available for terms of 8-10 years, which is longer than is typically available in the Irish SME lending market due to the risks associated with longer-term loans. As with the Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme, loans of up to €500,000 are available unsecured. Uptake for the scheme has been strong and the initial funding has been almost fully subscribed.
On 8 April I announced that this scheme would be expanded by a further €200m to facilitate longer-term lending to Covid-19-impacted businesses and my Department is working through the details of this expansion and will bring this funding to market as soon as possible.
On 2 May, I announced a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available from AIB, BOI and Ulster Bank. This scheme forms a major component of the government’s strategy to aid SMEs in these difficult times by providing critical support to ensure businesses are facilitated as they seek access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment.
Implementation of this scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has been approved by Government, and my officials are already working urgently with the Office of the Parliamentary counsel on this drafting work.
I have also recently announced a new €250m Restart Fund, which will be a critically important tool in supporting small businesses as they begin to reopen.
427. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the detailed proposals in terms of funding, cash flow and capital resources available to the hotel sector, the business of which for 2020 has been decimated due to the Covid-19 crisis; the supports in place for companies whose turnover will be dramatically reduced but will have ongoing commitments in terms of bank repayments and overheads; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7514/20]
View answerSince the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, Government has worked to ensure that appropriate supports are in place for businesses in sectors that have been exposed to negative impacts arising as a result of the outbreak and the measures put in place to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland. I understand that some businesses, such as those operating in the hospitality sector, have been particularly affected by this crisis.
The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme opened for eligibility applications on 23 March. The scheme is offered by my Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme is operated by the SBCI. It currently makes available a fund of up to €200m to eligible businesses that have been negatively affected by impacts arising from the outbreak of Covid-19 to enable those businesses to innovate, change or adapt in response to the current business environment.
Following my announcement on 8 April, this scheme is now being expanded to make available an additional €250m in lending, which will bring the total amount of lending available under this scheme to €450m.
The Future Growth Loan Scheme makes up to €300 million of loans available with a term of 8-10 years and is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) though participating lenders. On 8, I announced that this scheme would be expanded by a further €200m to facilitate longer-term lending to Covid-19-impacted businesses and my Department is working through the details of this expansion and will bring this funding to market as soon as possible.
For micro-enterprises in the hospitality sector, the Covid-19 Loan, available from Microfinance Ireland (MFI), has been introduced as a support to microenterprises to help them access funding arising from the Covid-19 crisis. Microenterprises are enterprises with less than ten employees.
These loans are available for eligible microenterprises responding to Covid-19-related difficulties, the negative impact of which must be a minimum of 15% of actual or projected income or profit. Loans up to €50,000 are available with terms that include a six-month interest-free and repayment-free moratorium, with the loan to then be repaid over the remaining 30 months of the 36-month loan period. These loans are available at an interest rate of 4.5% to all micro-enterprises where the application is made through the network of Local Enterprise Offices around the country, or where referred by a bank or Local Development Committees. An interest rate of 5.5% is applied to loans sought directly through MFI.
In terms of new supports, on 2 May, I announced a €2billion Credit Guarantee Scheme to support lending to SMEs for terms ranging from three months to six years. Loans under the scheme will be offered at below market interest rates.
I also recently announced a new €250m Restart Fund, which will be a critically important tool in supporting small businesses as they begin to reopen.
This has been a period of unforeseeable disruption to businesses around the country, and I am conscious that there have been significant impacts on otherwise viable businesses. I would encourage businesses that have been negatively impacted as a result Covid-19 to take advantage of these supports wherever appropriate.
428. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when weddings can be allowed to be held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7542/20]
View answerThe Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap, will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
Family - type social gatherings, such as small and large weddings, are listed among the Community Health Measures in the Roadmap on which restrictions are due to be lifted in Phases 4 and 5. Any decisions taken by Government to that effect will be guided by the public health advice available at the time.
On 15th May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday May 18th. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.
Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate.
The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
On 8th May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30th June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant is equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.
If a company is currently in a rateable premises but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form. If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.
All information including the application form is available on the appropriate local authority website, the details of which are at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/942f74-local-authorities/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amend its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.
430. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the average training time for a new HSA inspector; her plans to expedite this process in view of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7559/20]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority has a well-established Inspector Development Programme in place, whereby newly appointed inspectors complete a training programme which consists of 12 distinct modules. This development programme is normally delivered over a 6 month period and is augmented by a programme of accompanied inspections whereby the trainee shadows an experienced inspector.
The additional resources to be provided for the Health and Safety Authority in respect of compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol will be specialist officials who already have sectoral business inspection responsibilities and training. In this regard, they will be able to work with the Health and Safety Authority to ensure the implementation of the Protocol in workplaces. Compliance with the COVID-19 Return to Work Safely Protocol will become part of the normal inspection regime.
431. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when she will permit the return of tilers to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7564/20]
View answerThe Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
On 15th May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday May 18th. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.
Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate.
The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
On 8th May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30th June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant is equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.
If a company is currently in a rateable premises but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form. If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.
All information including the application form is available on the appropriate local authority website, the details of which are at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/942f74-local-authorities/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amends its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.
432. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will review instances of large supermarkets selling clothes at discount prices while small clothes shops in town centres remain closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7566/20]
View answerAs Chair of the Retail Consultation Forum, I am aware that this is a challenging time for retailers across Ireland - large and small. It is a particularly difficult time for retailers who have had to close their doors in the interest of public health and adherence to the public health guidelines.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business published on Friday 1st May sets out five stages for modifying the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
Large supermarkets have been able to remain open under the measures published on the 27th March which included the updated list of essential retail outlets https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/625292-updated-list-of-essential-retail-outlets-27th-march-2020/. On 15 May, 2020 the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business from Monday May 18, 2020. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of essential retail outlets and other facilities that can therefore reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/
Under the risk based approach deployed in the Roadmap, under Phase 2 (from June 8th) small retail outlets can reopen with a small number of staff on the basis that the retailer can control the number of individuals that staff and customers interact with at any one time. These measures will only come into place when the National Public Health Emergency Team says that the conditions are right for more relaxation of the restrictions in place to protect us all.
As Chairperson of the Retail Consultation Forum I have previously communicated with the major grocery multiples that where retail outlets and stores have discrete drapery and clothing sections or floors, these should close in line with the Government’s announcements on non-essential retail. I understand some essential retailers such as large supermarkets may carry products which are incidental to their primary retail function.
I have separately communicated to the Retail Consultation Forum members and the grocery multiples, at the request of the Department of An Taoiseach, that the Gardaí have asked them to consider not holding weekly specials over the next few weeks that risk giving rise to increased footfall at stores, and thereby present challenges to physical distancing.
The advice for individuals is still to stay at home as much as possible. During Phase 1, it is intended that customers should restrict visits to such stores for essential supplies. All retailers are encouraged to continue to provide on-line services where that is possible and appropriate to minimise footfall. All of these retail outlets must implement physical distancing measures and measures set out in the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
It is imperative that all businesses must adhere to physical distancing requirements and the latest public health guidance at all times.
A wide range of financial supports and guidance has been made available by my Department and wider Government to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Full details of all supports and guidance is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
It is important to check https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to Covid-19.
433. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if start-up businesses that began trading in late 2019 or in 2020 are eligible for the restart grant that was confirmed for SMEs recently in view of the fact that in these businesses will not have a record of paying commercial rates for 2019. [7568/20]
View answerOn Friday, May 15th, 2020 the Government announced details of the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures; with the grant being administered by local authorities from Friday, May 22nd, 2020.
Eligible businesses who have stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those who are reopening under Phase 1 (from 18th May) and Phase 2 (8th June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, are encouraged to apply first for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.
To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:
1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people;
2. have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020;
3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed;
4. declare the intention to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Subject to the qualifying criteria outlined above, any business that has a commercially rateable premises including those businesses with outstanding rates bills are eligible to make an application if they meet the criteria. The grant will be the amount of the rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
If a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information can be obtained by contacting the Business Support Unit of the relevant local authority.
434. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there are grants available to business to install safety equipment and other measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7572/20]
View answerA major part of my Department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been to expand the range of financial supports to ensure businesses have sufficient liquidity to see them through the crisis and to prepare for the announced reopening phases. My Department and I continue to monitor the needs of companies as the situation evolves and provide new supports where required and appropriate to do so.
Included in the now €7.5 billion of liquidity supports which I announced over the past few weeks, is a Sustaining Enterprise Fund for Small Enterprises which is being administered by Enterprise Ireland. This fund for smaller businesses provides €25,000 and €50,000 in repayable advances, depending on size and turnover of company. This fund will provide liquidity to enable these enterprises to steer a pathway towards recovery and to introduce measures in response to the controls and health and safety requirements in line with changing work patterns and protocols and guidelines being introduced as we begin the re-opening of the economy.
On 15th May last, the Government also agreed the arrangements for the new €250m “Restart Grant” for micro enterprises and small businesses. The "Restart Grant" is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. It will be a critically important tool to support small businesses to reopen their doors and get back on their feet. This grant will enable small and micro business reconnect with their employees and customer base by helping to defray ongoing fixed costs and the costs, such as PPE, associated with re-launching the business.
The grants will be based on the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000. Applications for the "Restart Grant" can be made online to all local authorities from Friday 22nd May.
In addition to the extensive package of liquidity measures announced, the full range of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and Údarás na Gaeltachta grant and advisory supports continue to be available to eligible firms to help with strategies to access finance, commence or ramp-up online trading activity, reconfigure business models, cut costs, innovate, diversify markets and supply chains and to improve competitiveness.
I can assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19. In that regard, Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework.
435. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there are exemptions for workers who travel to Scotland on Mondays and return here on Fridays as part of business travel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7600/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government announced last week that it will be obligatory for passengers arriving from overseas to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.
The regulations will be signed by my colleague, Minister Harris, and will come into effect from Thursday, May 28th. They will remain in effect until 18 June 2020, when they will be reviewed.
The Government continues to advise Irish citizens and residents against all non-essential international travel, and passengers arriving into Ireland from outside of the island of Ireland are asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
436. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if pubs that always sold food and tea and coffee can operate during phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business without a restaurant licence if they can guarantee strict social distancing and hygiene measures will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7602/20]
View answerThe Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
On 15th May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday May 18th. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.
Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate.
The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
On 8th May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30th June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant is equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.
If a company is currently in a rateable premises but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form. If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.
All information including the application form is available on the appropriate local authority website, the details of which are at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/942f74-local-authorities/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amends its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. While I do not have responsibility for granting licences to pubs, I will bring the concerns expressed by that sector to the attention of my Ministerial colleagues who have such responsibility so that they can be considered as further decisions relating to the reopening of the economy are taken in accordance with the Government's Roadmap.
437. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the criteria of the new restart grant will be changed to across the board and not be based on the commercial rates of 2019 in view of the fact some businesses due to their nature have been impacted more than others and have suffered a larger loss of earnings. [7634/20]
View answerThe application forms for the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses is available online on all local authority websites since Friday 22nd May. Eligible businesses who have remained open, or that reopened under phase 1 on 18th May or that are due to reopen in Phase 2 on 8th June under the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to ease the COVID-19 restrictions are encouraged to apply now for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.
The Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro and small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.
To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:
1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people;
2. have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020;
3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed;
4. declare the intention to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and re-employ staff on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment as business recovers.
Subject to the qualifying criteria outlined above, any business that has a commercially rateable premises including those businesses with outstanding rates bills are eligible to make an application if they meet the criteria. The grant will be the amount of the rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
If a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Businesses who are not in a rateable premises are not eligible.
I understand the concerns relating to business that do not operate from commercial premises.
We opted for payment through the rates system because it is a ready-established system for financial transactions with local business so it was the quickest way to get money to businesses.
Tradespersons and service providers that operate on a mobile basis or that could continue to work remotely have been better placed to continue to trade and many don’t have the same levels of losses, of ongoing overheads or reopening costs that a fixed premises business will have. Within the funding available, the priority has been to support those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but who will still have incurred ongoing costs.
The eligibility criteria is subject to ongoing review and we will continue to take on board issues as they arise.
438. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if seasonal work and seasonal businesses that rely on a window of a few months to earn their living, for example, seaside resorts, cafés, pubs, restaurants and so on that will lose a full season will be included in Covid-19 payments and the restart grant. [7653/20]
View answerThe application form for the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses is available online on all local authority websites since Friday 22nd May. Eligible businesses who have remained open, or that reopened under phase 1 on 18th May or that are due to reopen in Phase 2 on 8th June under the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to ease the COVID-19 restrictions are encouraged to apply for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.
The Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro and small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.
To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:
1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people;
2. have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020;
3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed;
4. declare the intention to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Subject to the qualifying criteria outlined above, any business that has a commercially rateable premises including those businesses with outstanding rates bills are eligible to make an application if they meet the criteria.
Businesses that are part of a tenancy arrangement, and who pay their rates via the landlord, are entitled to apply. Landlords who apportion their rates demand among their business tenants are not eligible in their own right. As above, applications should be submitted by the tenant business.
The grant will be the amount of the rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant could be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, eg utilities, insurance, refurbishment or for restocking and measures to ensure employee and customer safety.
This direct grant support is part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form. If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.
439. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if businesses that do not pay rates are eligible for the restart grant if their respective landlords pay the rates directly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7682/20]
View answerOn Friday, May 15th, 2020 the Government announced details of the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures; with the grant being administered by local authorities from Friday, May 22nd, 2020.
To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:
1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people;
2. have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020;
3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed;
4. declare the intention to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Subject to the qualifying criteria outlined above, any business that has a commercially rateable premises including those businesses with outstanding rates bills are eligible to make an application if they meet the criteria. The grant will be the amount of rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
If a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Businesses that are part of a tenancy arrangement, and who pay their rates via the landlord, are entitled to apply.
Landlords who apportion their rates demand among their business tenants are not eligible in their own right. Applications should be submitted by the occupier, i.e. the tenant business.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities since Friday, May 22nd and further information on the Grant can be obtained by contacting the Business Support Unit of the relevant local authority.
440. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a proposal to reopen a business (details supplied) will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7724/20]
View answerI am aware that the business you refer to has been in contact with my Department through our business supports email helpline service and our Press Office.
I wish to reiterate the advice that has previously been given by my Department. Please note that decisions around reopening will be guided by public health advice and that issues which relate to public health are not a matter for this Department.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
On 15th May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday May 18th. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.
Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate.
The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
On 8th May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30th June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant is equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.
If a company is currently in a rateable premises but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form. If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.
All information including the application form will be available on your local authority website, the details of which are at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/942f74-local-authorities/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country, I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amends its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.
441. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will revisit the distinction between homewares and hardware stores with regard to reopening under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and encourage them to implement safety procedures and initiate reopening as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7811/20]
View answerAs Chair of the Retail Consultation Forum, I am aware that this is a challenging time for retailers across Ireland - large and small. It is a particularly difficult time for retailers who have had to close their doors in the interest of public health and adherence to the public health guidelines.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business published on Friday 1st May sets out five stages for modifying the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
On 15 May, 2020 the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business from Monday May 18, 2020. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of essential retail outlets and other facilities that can therefore reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/
With regard to homeware outlets, I wish to draw your attention to the list of retailers that can open published on 15th May, as hardware stores, builders merchants and those providing essential supplies and tools for gardening, farming and agriculture; garden centres and farmers markets; Opticians/Optometrists/Outlets providing hearing test services, selling hearing aids and appliances; retailers involved in the sale, supply and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles and related facilities (e.g. tyre sales and repairs); office products and services; electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home. This does not include homeware stores. https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3736c7-government-approves-moving-to-phase-1-of-easing-covid-19-restriction/
Only stores providing homeware incidental to primary retail functions set out in the original Essential Services list are to reopen in Phase 1. It is not intended that stores which might also classify themselves as homeware, but primarily sell items such as furniture, bedding, curtains, kitchenware, crockery or other such items etc. should open.
The advice for individuals is still to stay at home as much as possible. During Phase 1, it is intended that customers should restrict visits to such stores for essential supplies. All retailers are encouraged to continue to provide on-line services where that is possible and appropriate to minimise footfall. All of these retail outlets must implement physical distancing measures and measures set out in the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.
Government will monitor progress on Phase 1 over the first two weeks and will assess progress next week. As set out in the Roadmap, Phase 2 is a reopening based on size rather than sector.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
It is imperative that all businesses must adhere to physical distancing requirements and the latest public health guidance at all times.
A wide range of financial supports and guidance has been made available by my Department and wider Government to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Full details of all supports and guidance is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
It is important to check https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to Covid-19.
442. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of workplace inspections that have taken place by the Health and Safety Authority in meat factories since the Covid-19 emergency emerged in March 2020 to ensure worker protection by county in tabular form. [7834/20]
View answer451. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if factories and meat processing plants will be inspected by the Health and Safety Authority to ensure safeguarding of employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7940/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 442 and 451 together.
The Health and Safety Authority’s annual programme of work is based on a risk assessment of sectors, with inspections targeted at sectors with higher levels of workplace fatalities and accidents. The food sector is a highly regulated sector with a high level of compliance with Health and Safety legislation. Thus, in any one year the Health and Safety Authority carries out a lower level of inspections in the food Sector compared to the construction or farming sectors where workplace fatalities and accidents are considerable higher.
In relation to COVID-19 specifically, infectious diseases are not reportable under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 370 of 2016) nor is there a requirement to notify the Health & Safety Authority if an employee contracts Covid19. Therefore, outbreaks of an infectious disease, such as Covid19, are in the first instance reportable to Medical Officer of Health/Director of Public Health and they report the outbreak to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, under the HSE, who move to put in place infection control measures.
The Health and Safety Authority has been involved in reviewing matters relating to the meat processing sector over the past number of weeks as it is a member of the National Outbreak Control Team (NOTC) headed up by the HSE. This team, which is led by the HSE, reports to the Department of Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The NOTC is working to address the issue of outbreaks in meat processing plants and has input from professionals in public health, environmental health, animal health and the Health and Safety Authority, in relation to occupational health and safety. The National Outbreak Control Team and local Outbreak Control Teams are in place to address outbreaks of COVID-19 and to recommend steps and measures to ensure that current and future outbreaks can be managed and brought under control as quickly as possible. COVID-19 is first and foremost a public health issue so the first step must always be ensuring that measures are in place to manage and prevent outbreaks not just for the workers involved but also for the wider community where such workers live.
The National Outbreak Control Team has devised detailed guidance specifically tailored to the meat industry. This guidance document, which was issued to all meat processing facilities on 15 May 2020 covers:
- Infection prevention and control measures to prevent cases and control outbreaks for example screening at entry to the site;
- Steps to be taken when an individual case is suspected or confirmed; and
- Additional steps to be taken when an outbreak has occurred.
Information on this is available on the HPSC website at this link.
Following the roll-out of the Return to Work Safely Protocol that preceded the start of Phase 1 of the reopening of the economy on 18th May last, over 500 onsite inspections (as of Friday 22nd May) were undertaken by the Health and Safety Authority last week across a range of industry sectors. These inspections included plants in the meat processing sector. In relation to complaints specifically about meat processing plants, the Authority received seven complaints up to May 20th covering four different operators. As the Health and Safety Authority receives complaints on a confidential basis, a breakdown by County would not be appropriate for this sector. As part of the work with the National and Local OCTs mentioned above, the Health and Safety Authority are following up on each of these complaints, including completion of onsite inspections. It is worth noting that the Department of Agriculture, who have an ongoing role in meat processing plants, is also a member of the National OCT and they too will be checking compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol in such plants in the future too.
The Health and Safety Authority’s Workplace Contact Unit is a confidential helpline for workers, employers and others to submit queries and complaints. This can be contacted by telephone 1890 289 389 and email wcu@hsa.ie. If any worker has a concern about Health and Safety in their workplace, whether that is in meat processing or elsewhere, they should contact the Health and Safety Authority Workplace Contact Unit.
443. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has taken action to seek compensation from car manufacturers over the use of cheat devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7848/20]
View answerThe power to enforce consumer protection legislation is reserved for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, a body that is statutorily independent of the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. I understand that a number of claims by owners of diesel vehicles affected by cheat devices, or defeat devices as they are also known, are currently before the courts in Ireland. In some cases, actions are being taken on behalf of a number of car owners.
While car manufacturers have contested these claims, there have been important recent developments in response to claims for compensation in other European countries. In Germany, Volkswagen reached a settlement in late February 2020 with the Federal Association of Consumers following an action taken by the Association on behalf of 400,000 car owners. In the course of the proceedings, the State court hearing the case advised the parties to seek a settlement. Under the settlement, Volkswagen agreed to pay compensation totalling €830 million to the car owners concerned. The compensation to be paid to individual owners ranges from €1,350 to €6,250 depending on the age of the vehicle. On 25 May 2020, Germany’s highest civil court, the Federal Court of Justice, ruled in a landmark judgment that the owner of a Volkswagen diesel minivan purchased in 2014 was entitled to return the vehicle to the manufacturer and receive a refund of approximately 80 per cent of the payment price. The judgment held that the vehicle’s mileage should be taken into account in calculating the compensation payable to the owner. In a statement issued in response to the judgment, the company indicated that it would seek to bring compensation claims by a further 60,000 car owners in Germany to a prompt conclusion and would be making appropriate settlement proposals to these claimants. It is relevant to note that neither the German government nor the consumer protection authorities in Germany have had any direct involvement in either the compensation settlement with the Federal Association of Consumers or the compensation claims taken by individual car owners.
In a significant preliminary judgment in a group action taken by 90,000 car owners, the High Court of England and Wales ruled on 6 April 2020 that the software installed in diesel cars manufactured by the Volkswagen Group was a defeat device under the relevant EU regulations. In an Opinion of 30 April 2020 in a case referred to the European Court of Justice, the Advocate General noted that the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission controls systems is prohibited under EU law and may be authorised only in exceptional circumstances where, for example, their use is justified to protect the engine against damage or accident and for the safe operation of the vehicle. This exception must however be interpreted strictly and is limited to protecting the engine against the occurrence of immediate and sudden damage and not against more long-term effects such as wear and tear or depreciation. Though the Opinion of the Advocate General is not binding on the European Court of Justice, it is followed by the Court in the majority of cases.
I fully support the claims of car owners whose vehicles have been affected by cheat devices installed by car manufacturers to appropriate compensation for the detriment caused by these devices. In view in particular of the settlement reached with the Federal Association of Consumers in Germany and of the judgment of the Federal Court of Justice in Germany, it is now time for Volkswagen and other car manufacturers whose vehicles had cheat devices installed in them to come forward with fair proposals to compensate affected car owners in Ireland.
444. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures that will be taken to ensure that consumer rights are protected and that no excessive charging for products such as handwash and sanitiser take place during the Covid-19 crisis period; and the recourse consumers have for the excessive charging for such products (details supplied). [7858/20]
View answerThe power for Government under section 62 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 to fix by order the maximum price at which a product can be supplied to consumers applies only where an emergency order is in force in relation to that product under section 61 of the Act. Section 61 provides that if the Government are of the opinion that abnormal circumstances prevail or are likely to prevail in relation to the supply of a product, the Government may by order declare that a state of emergency affecting the supply of that product exists.
The information available to me does not suggest that abnormal circumstances currently prevail in relation to the supply of hand washes and hand sanitisers. These products are relatively widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies and can also be purchased online. Therefore the requirement for abnormal circumstances in relation to the supply of hand washes and hand sanitisers, which is a prerequisite for the enactment of a maximum price order for these products, is not apparently met in present circumstances.
Though the details supplied by the Deputy may suggest that high prices are being charged for particular hand sanitiser products in some cases, more reasonable prices are being charged in other cases. Where high prices are being charged by retailers, these may reflect high wholesaler prices set by suppliers, many of whom may be based outside Ireland.
While there may well be cases of price hikes by individual traders, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data compiled by the Central Statistics Office do not suggest that retailers generally have taken advantage of the exceptional circumstances resulting from Covid-19 to introduce unjustified price increases. As measured by the CPI, prices were on average 0.4 per cent lower in April 2020 than in March 2020 and 0.1 per cent lower than in April 2019. Though prices for hygiene products which include liquid soaps but not hand sanitisers were 1 per cent higher in April 2020 than in March 2020, they were 1.7 per cent lower than in April 2019. The price of these products had previously fallen by 1.8 per cent between February 2020 and March 2020. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have advised me that they have received a total of 13 complaints from consumers about the price of hand sanitisers since the start of the pandemic.
If consumers consider that retailers are charging excessive prices for hand sanitisers or other products, the most effective recourse available to them is to take their custom to retailers charging more reasonable prices.
