Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Questions (284)

Seán Fleming

Question:

284. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports and grants available to small businesses, self-employed persons and tradespersons that conduct their business by way of a van and do not have rateable premises (details supplied); the supports available for these persons that suffered a serious fall-off in business due to the Covid-19 crisis and will have to make changes to their work practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9962/20]

Written answers

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

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.

I understand the concerns relating to the Restart Grant from businesses 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.

Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/ .