Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
43. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if the temporary wage subsidy scheme will be extended to supply chain businesses for a period after the reopening of restaurants and catering establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8983/20]
View answerThe Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is provided for in section 28 of the recently enacted Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 (The Act).
The underlying legislation and the TWSS itself were developed having regard to the Government objective of providing assistance to employers and employees, where businesses have been seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions which were introduced as a result. The scheme is available to eligible employers across all sectors, excluding the Public Service and Non-Commercial Semi-State Sector. This includes businesses that have closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions and those that continue to operate and employ their workforce. The sector to which the Deputy refers is no different in this regard.
The future of the TWSS remains under review and an announcement will be made in due course. I acknowledge that certain sectors will face particular challenges into the future as we gradually re-open our economy, and this is one of many factors that I take account of in my current deliberations.
