Skip to main content
Normal View

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Questions (495)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

495. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures being considered for supporting sole traders reopening following Covid-19 restrictions but that do not qualify for the restart grant in view of the fact they do not have a commercial premises, for example, plumbers, electricians, financial advisers and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9584/20]

View answer

Written answers

The new €250m Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro and small businesses with the costs associated with reopening following COVID-19 closures. The application form is now available online on all local authority websites.

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 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 Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, 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 on all supports are available at:

https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time. The measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise and they are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.

The unprecedented circumstances of the COVID19 global pandemic has resulted in a swiftly evolving landscape for enterprises.  The Government will continue to use all available tools at its disposal to support businesses and ensure their survival. In that context, I will keep the supports provided under review and continue to support enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them.

Top
Share