Written Answers Nos. 281-303
281. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Enterprise Ireland retail scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9885/20]
View answerAs Chair of the Retail Consultation Forum, I am acutely aware that Covid-19 has brought particular challenges for retailers - large and small, across the country. Trading online is a very important route for retail businesses to grow and improve their business in the current crisis and will be an important element in their recovery over the longer term.
The objective of the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme, administered on my Department's behalf by Enterprise Ireland, is to support companies in the indigenous retail sector who have already started an online journey, to further enhance and strengthen their online presence, which will have the most immediate impact enabling them to respond to both domestic and international consumer demand with a competitive online offer.
My Department proposed this Scheme in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the urgent need for retail companies to achieve a step change in online capability. Applicant companies must employ 10 or more people, have an existing online presence (e.g. website or social media), and have a retail outlet through which they derive the majority of their revenue. Successful applicants will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project costs. Grants ranging from €10,000 to €40,000 will be awarded under the competitive scheme.
This Scheme is not about taking the first steps; it is about raising the bar, in an informed, planned and strategic way. Further details on this Scheme available at https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/online-retail/online-retail-scheme/online-retail-scheme.html.
The Scheme closed for applications on the 27 May 2020 and applications are currently under assessment by Enterprise Ireland.
The Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme required that all applicants to the Scheme must be registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). There were some automatic technical entry issues in relation to CRO status for a number of applications on entry. The applicant, which the Deputy references, was one of a number of applications which were independently assessed by Enterprise Ireland after the closing date to examine eligibility in relation to their CRO status. I understand that Enterprise Ireland has been in direct contact with all of those applicants, including the applicant in question, and have clarified eligibility of their application. All applicants deemed eligible go forward to be scored under this competitive call, which is in progress.
I am committed to supporting the needs of the retail sector in developing their online capability and enhancing their competitiveness.
282. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which clothing shops are to operate when they reopen with specific regard to trying on clothes and returns. [9912/20]
View answerThe Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out how the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted. Ireland is now in Phase 2 of the roadmap.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap which is based on the input and advice of NPHET. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf.
As a result of the Government’s decision of 5 June 2020 more retail outlets are permitted to open up from Monday 8 June 2020. The advice on this matter is that retailers must put measures in place in their stores to minimise the spread of infection among customers and staff.
These could include:
- protective screens and barriers
- operating new queueing approaches
- limiting the number of customers and staff per store at any one time
- providing cleaning stations
- increasing store cleaning and hygiene
- considering store layout to facilitate social distancing
- closing changing room facilities
- controlling the number of individuals that staff and customers interact with at any one time
- introducing frequent cleaning of customer touchpoints and providing hand sanitiser at entrance and exit points
- limiting customer handling of stock, for example, through different display methods, new signage or rotation of high-touch stock
- storing items that have been returned or handled extensively (footwear) in a separate room for 72 hours before displaying them on the shop floor
- removing seating areas (with exception of those for people with mobility/disability requirements)
- extending opening hours to reduce crowding
- implementing car park restrictions
This advice is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/.
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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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.
Additionally, the National Standards Authority of Ireland’s (NSAI) published the 'COVID-19 Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide', which is available at https://www.nsai.ie/covid-19workplaceprotection/ and the 'Covid-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide' which is available at https://www.nsai.ie/covid-19retailprotection/
These Guides contain useful 'how to' information that can be applied across many businesses.
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 restart grant (to help small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures), wage subsidy scheme, 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/
Under the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
283. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when casinos may reopen in accordance with public health guidance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9928/20]
View answerUnder the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap.
The input and advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed the Government’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 and to accelerate elements of the Roadmap. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf.
On 8th June the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D., signed SI No.206 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions)(COVID-19)(No. 2) Regulations. These Regulations, which shall remain in operation until 29th June, provide for the unwinding of certain restrictions, including the reopening of retail outlets and extending the distance that may be travelled for specified purposes. The Regulations also provide for continued restrictions for some businesses or services and for offences, including in relation to events. Businesses should carefully review these Regulations. Casinos and Private Members’ Clubs at which gambling activities are carried out are included in Schedule 2 of SI No.206 of 2020 which sets out which businesses or services are not permitted to reopen in this Phase.
As regards the reopening of casinos in a later phase, the Roadmap and the updates should be reviewed carefully and a detailed assessment of their activities carried out 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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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/.
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 under Phases 1 and 2 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the remaining phases in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
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]
View answerThe 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/ .
285. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when or if sector by sector guidelines which will be required to be put in place will be issued; and if each sector will be given notice to implement such requirements as they prepare to reopen their business (details supplied). [9968/20]
View answerUnder the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap.
The input and advice of National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed the Government’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 and to accelerate elements of the Roadmap. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf.
On 8th June the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D., signed SI No.206 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions)(COVID-19)(No. 2) Regulations. These Regulations, which shall remain in operation until 29th June, provide for the unwinding of certain restrictions, including the reopening of retail outlets and extending the distance that may be travelled for specified purposes. The Regulations also provide for continued restrictions for some businesses or services and for offences, including in relation to events. Businesses should carefully review these Regulations.
Where a business is not specifically listed in SI No.206 of 2020, it should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of its 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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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.
Bodies such as the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the HSE and the HSA have also provided guidance, advice and best practice for a number of sectors.
In response to their request, I met recently with members of the hairdressing and beauty industry via teleconference where they discussed developing guidelines and safety protocols, with reference to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. I requested that, where sectors are developing such protocols or guides, they should work together to align this work. Last week the Irish Hairdressing Federation submitted their protocol to my Department and I have sent this on to my colleague, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D. and to the HSE.
In line with the national Return to Work Safely protocol, Fáilte Ireland, in association with relevant authorities and following consultation with all industry sectors, has published guidelines for reopening of various sectors of the tourism industry and these are available here https://covid19.failteireland.ie/industry-updates/guidelines-for-re-opening-published/. Based on public health advice, this guidance document aims to assist businesses within the tourism sector in re-opening, helping them ensure that measures concerning health and safety are incorporated throughout all aspects of business operations in order to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
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/.
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 under Phases 1 and 2 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
286. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons that availed of and the costs incurred by her Department regarding the cycle to work scheme since it was introduced to date by year and cost in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9976/20]
View answerThe National Shared Services Office (NSSO) administers the Cycle to Work scheme on behalf of my Department. The bicycles and any related equipment which qualify under the scheme are paid for by staff themselves by way of salary sacrifice spread over a single year. Accordingly there are no direct costs incurred by the Department in the facilitation of the scheme.
Details regarding the number of staff from my Department who have availed of the scheme on an annual basis since 2009 to-date are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
No. of Applications by staff |
Total Cost of bicycles & related equipment purchased by staff inclusive of VAT |
|
2009 |
25 |
€18,865.02 |
|
2010 |
42 |
€29,464.08 |
|
2011 |
53 |
€36,886.49 |
|
2012 |
42 |
€29,897.30 |
|
2013 |
34 |
€24,606.27 |
|
2014 |
37 |
€29,638.74 |
|
2015 |
31 |
€25,987.62 |
|
2016 |
24 |
€20,851.40 |
|
2017 |
30 |
€24,417.02 |
|
2018 |
24 |
€17,932.30 |
|
2019 |
23 |
€19,968.60 |
|
2020 to-date |
12 |
€9,448.79 |
|
OVERALL TOTAL |
377 |
€287,963.63 |
287. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if clothes shops may reopen their changing rooms as they reopen in line with public health guidance; if persons will be allowed to try on clothes; the length of time clothes must be set aside following their use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10027/20]
View answerThe Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out how the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted. Ireland is now in Phase 2 of the roadmap.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap which is based on the input and advice of NPHET. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf
As a result of the Government’s decision of 5 June 2020 more retail outlets are permitted to open up from Monday 8 June 2020. The advice on this matter is that retailers must put measures in place in their stores to minimise the spread of infection among customers and staff.
These could include:
- protective screens and barriers
- operating new queueing approaches
- limiting the number of customers and staff per store at any one time
- providing cleaning stations
- increasing store cleaning and hygiene
- considering store layout to facilitate social distancing
- closing changing room facilities
- controlling the number of individuals that staff and customers interact with at any one time
- introducing frequent cleaning of customer touchpoints and providing hand sanitiser at entrance and exit points
- limiting customer handling of stock, for example, through different display methods, new signage or rotation of high-touch stock
- storing items that have been returned or handled extensively (footwear) in a separate room for 72 hours before displaying them on the shop floor
- removing seating areas (with exception of those for people with mobility/disability requirements)
- extending opening hours to reduce crowding
- implementing car park restrictions
This advice is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/
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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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.
Additionally, The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s (NSAI) published the 'COVID-19 Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide' which is available at https://www.nsai.ie/covid-19workplaceprotection/ and the 'Covid-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide' which is available at https://www.nsai.ie/covid-19retailprotection/ These Guides contain useful 'how to' information that can be applied across many businesses.
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 restart grant (to help small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures), wage subsidy scheme, 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/
Under the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
288. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a matter relating to the online trading voucher for businesses (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10033/20]
View answerThe Trading Online Voucher Scheme is delivered nationwide through the 31 Local Enterprise Offices. The Scheme offers skills training, mentoring and financial support of up to €2,500 to help small and micro-businesses to develop their ecommerce capability.
I introduced new flexibilities to the Scheme in April including reducing the requirement for co-funding from 50% to 10% and allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher of up to €2,500 where they have successfully utilised their first one. There has been a positive response to these changes and significant uptake of the Scheme.
On 8th June I further enhanced the scheme and announced with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton TD, a major expansion of the LEOs' Trading Online Voucher Scheme to help small and micro enterprises to get online quickly. We are expanding the Scheme by €14.2m after the Local Enterprise Offices received 3 years’ worth of applications in 3 months following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ireland. Following a previous expansion of the Scheme in early April, total additional funding for the Scheme is now almost €20m in 2020. See: localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports
Trading Online Vouchers can be used for:
- development or upgrade of an e-commerce website, such as implementing online payments or booking systems
- purchase of internet related software - online advertising (subject to limits)
- development of an app
- development and/or implementation of a digital marketing strategy
- consultation with ICT experts
- training and support to develop and manage your online trading activity and subscriptions to low cost online retail platform solutions,
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/
289. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures she can take to encourage consumers to buy Irish products and services in shops and retail outlets and which are sourced here, rather than buying such products and services online and sourced outside the EU; if she will initiate a buy Irish campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10063/20]
View answerI would very much like to see consumers here buying locally produced and sourced products in order particularly to help retailers and producers recover as quickly as possible from the effects of Covid-19 on businesses and jobs. It is not open to me however to initiate a Buy Irish campaign or to take other measures to influence consumers to buy Irish goods and services. In 1981, the European Commission took infringement proceedings against a Buy Irish campaign then in operation which received financial and other support from the Irish Government. In its subsequent judgment (Commission v Ireland, case C-249/81), the European Court of Justice held that the campaign was a reflection of the Irish Government’s intention to substitute domestic products for imported products on the Irish market and thereby to check the flow of imports from other Member States. A campaign of this kind was subject to the prohibition on measures that have equivalent effects to a quantitative restriction on imports under what is now Article 34 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. In the view of the Court, even measures adopted by the government of a Member State which do not have binding effect may be capable of influencing the conduct of consumers and traders in that Member State and thus of frustrating the Treaty and the principle of the free movement of goods.
290. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied that the number of persons entering a location (details supplied) are safe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10072/20]
View answerIn order to assist businesses to reopen safely in accordance with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol was developed. The 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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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 understand that Dublin Zoo recently announced that it was reopening to the public on 2 June in a reduced capacity and under new strict health and safety protocols.
291. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if gastropubs may reopen in line with phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10098/20]
View answerUnder the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap.
The input and advice of National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed the Government’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 and to accelerate elements of the Roadmap. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf
As the Deputy will be aware, it is hoped that in three weeks’ time we will be able to move to a more advanced Phase 3, which would include the reopening of domestic tourism, and bring forward the opening of hotels, restaurants, bars that also operate as restaurants, hostels, caravan parks, galleries and museums to the 29th of June.
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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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/.
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 under Phases 1 and 2 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the remaining phases in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
292. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason applications made by companies (supplied supplied) for business continuity vouchers were rejected; if the applications can be reassessed; if there is scope for the preferred option of vouchers over mentoring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10099/20]
View answerThe primary aim of the Business Continuity Voucher scheme was to support companies to make informed decisions regarding the immediate measures needed to continue trading during the COVID lockdown phase while securing the safety of all employees and future business viability through identification of remedial actions. Examples of what it could be used to support include:
- Develop business continuity plan
- Assess current financial needs in the short term to medium term
- Reduce variable costs, overheads and expenses,
- Review and explore supply chain financing options
- Implement remote working processes or procedures
- Leverage HR expertise
- Leverage ICT expertise
- Prepare a business case for application to emergency financial interventions available through Banks, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and Micro Finance Ireland.
In this instance relating to two specific companies in Galway, I understand from the Local Enterprise Office in Galway that they have reviewed this case on three separate occasions, 7th May, 12th May and most recently on receipt of this Parliamentary Question. On each occasion, LEO Galway has determined that the Business Continuity Voucher was unsuitable for the following reasons:
- Following communication with the applicant it was determined that the scale of the business or business model complexity in relation to the eligible uses of the Business Continuity Vouchers would not warrant the level of intervention proposed to be undertaken by the 3rd party accountant stated in the application as the preferred advisor whom had completed the application forms initially
- Subsequent discussion with the applicant in fact indicated concern mostly over post Covid operations in the absence of, at that time, published advice from HSA or publication of the Return to Work Safely Protocol
- The client was advised that the most suitable support would be to avail of LEO Galway mentoring for post Covid back to work practices for both business and to review financials at that time once clarity on the businesses' post Covid business model was achieved
In the circumstances, LEO Galway, in keeping with LEO policy of offering alternative supports where possible, has offered mentoring to the business owners and I would urge them to take up this offer with the Local Enterprise Office in Galway. I am aware that this is a very popular support at this time and many businesses have benefited from this type of intervention.
Furthermore, you will be aware that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and continues to explore every available avenue for the delivery of further supports for business which were announced in May such as:
- A restart grant of up to €10,000 for micro and small businesses based on a rates/waiver rebate from 2019;
- A three month commercial rates waiver for impacted businesses; Commercial rates are being waived for a three month period beginning on 27 March 2020 for businesses that have been forced to close due to public health requirements.
Full details on all COVID19 supports are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
293. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of HSA inspections that have taken place at meat factories up to and including 5 June 2020; if the inspections were unannounced;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10163/20]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority is a member of the National Outbreak Control Team (NOTC). The NOCT is led by the HSE and it is working to address the issue of outbreaks in meat processing plants with input from professionals in public health, environmental health, animal health and the Health and Safety Authority, in relation to occupational health and safety. The NOCT 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.
As of Friday 5th June, the Health and Safety Authority has completed 19 inspections in meat plants in support of the NOCT. Of these 19 inspections, 16 involved plants where outbreaks have been recorded, some of the inspections were unannounced the majority were announced.
It is worth noting that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who have an ongoing role in meat processing plants, is also a member of the National Outbreak Control Team and they too will be checking compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol in such plants.
294. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has considered making supports such as the business restart grant available for non-rate paying businesses such as bed and breakfasts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10250/20]
View answerApplication forms for the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses are now available online on all local authority websites. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational.
To qualify for the Restart Grant, a business must be in a rateable premises and;
- have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees.
- have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1st April 2020 to 30th June 2020.
- commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed. The business must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
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.
The eligibility criteria will be subject to ongoing review and we will continue to consider issues as they arise.
In relation to the reopening of bed and breakfasts, my colleagues the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, announced on 20th May the formation of a special Tourism Recovery Taskforce dedicated to spearheading economic recovery for the tourism sector, with an independent chairperson, Ruth Andrews, Chair of Irish Tourism Industry Confederation. The membership of the Taskforce includes the CEOs of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. The Taskforce is charged with preparing a Tourism Recovery Plan for submission to the Minister which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce will consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and report back to the Minister.
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/
296. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications, loans or grants approved under the Covid-19 working capital scheme, the credit guarantee scheme, the Covid-19 loan through Microfinance Ireland and the €250 million restart grant for small businesses since 23 March 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10257/20]
View answerGovernment has agreed a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. 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 in having access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment. It will provide an 80% guarantee on lending to SMEs until the end of this year, for terms between 3 months and 6 years. The guarantee will be able to be used for a wide range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million that have a maximum term of 6 years or less.
The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors, including primary producers. It will also have interest rates below current market rates. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.
There are a number of liquidity supports for COVID 19 impacted businesses available now, including the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme which was implemented in 2012, supporting loans up to €1 million for periods of up to 7 years. The scheme is designed to support a range of debt products appropriate to the borrowing needs of SMEs. An application to access the Credit Guarantee Scheme can be made through one of the participating lenders which are currently Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank Ireland.
The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is offered by my Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility. The scheme is operated by the SBCI, through participating finance providers. Loans range from €25,000 up to €1.5 million (first €500,000 unsecured) with a maximum interest rate of 4% for up to three years.
This scheme is now being expanded to make available significant additional lending under the scheme. The scheme is available 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.
Microenterprises can access COVID-19 Business Loans of up to €50,000 from Microfinance Ireland. The terms include a six months interest free and repayment free moratorium, with the loan to then be repaid over the remaining 30 months of the 36-month loan period. Loans are available at an interest rate of between 4.5% and 5.5%. Businesses can apply through their Local Enterprise Office or directly to Microfinance Ireland.
Details on uptake of the various supports as of Friday 5th June is available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Take-up-of-DBEI-COVID-19-Business-Supports.pdf.
297. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the value of applications, loans or grants approved under the Covid-19 working capital scheme, the credit guarantee scheme, the Covid-19 loan through Microfinance Ireland and the €250 million restart grant for small businesses since 23 March 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10258/20]
View answerGovernment has agreed a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. 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 in having access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment. It will provide an 80% guarantee on lending to SMEs until the end of this year, for terms between 3 months and 6 years. The guarantee will be able to be used for a wide range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million that have a maximum term of 6 years or less.
The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors, including primary producers. It will also have interest rates below current market rates. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.
There are a number of liquidity supports for COVID 19 impacted businesses available now, including the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme which was implemented in 2012, supporting loans up to €1 million for periods of up to 7 years. The scheme is designed to support a range of debt products appropriate to the borrowing needs of SMEs. An application to access the Credit Guarantee Scheme can be made through one of the participating lenders which are currently Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank Ireland.
The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is offered by my Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility. The scheme is operated by the SBCI, through participating finance providers. Loans range from €25,000 up to €1.5 million (first €500,000 unsecured) with a maximum interest rate of 4% for up to three years.
This scheme is now being expanded to make available significant additional lending under the scheme. The scheme is available 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.
Microenterprises can access COVID-19 Business Loans of up to €50,000 from Microfinance Ireland. The terms include a six months interest free and repayment free moratorium, with the loan to then be repaid over the remaining 30 months of the 36-month loan period. Loans are available at an interest rate of between 4.5% and 5.5%. Businesses can apply through their Local Enterprise Office or directly to Microfinance Ireland.
Details on the uptake of the various supports as of Friday 5th June is available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Take-up-of-DBEI-COVID-19-Business-Supports.pdf.
298. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if sector specific guidelines are available to businesses for a safe reopening of same; if businesses are required to tailor guidelines to meet their own needs; and the person or body charged with responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the guidelines. [10281/20]
View answerUnder the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap.
The input and advice of National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed the Government’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 and to accelerate elements of the Roadmap. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf.
On 8th June the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D., signed SI No.206 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions)(COVID-19)(No. 2) Regulations. These Regulations, which shall remain in operation until 29th June, provide for the unwinding of certain restrictions, including the reopening of retail outlets and extending the distance that may be travelled for specified purposes. The Regulations also provide for continued restrictions for some businesses or services and for offences, including in relation to events. Businesses should carefully review these Regulations.
Where a business is not specifically listed in SI No.206 of 2020, it should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of its 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.
Bodies such as the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the HSE and the HSA have provided guidance, advice and best practice for a number of sectors in that regard.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s ‘Retail Protection and Improvement Guide’ helps retailers manage business continuity during the COVID-19 emergency. The NSAI will also be publishing guidelines for shopping centres in the coming days. Please visit www.nsai.ie for further updates.
In response to their request, I met recently with members of the hairdressing and beauty industry via teleconference where they discussed developing guidelines and safety protocols, with reference to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. I requested that, where sectors are developing such protocols or guides, they should work together to align this work. Last week the Irish Hairdressing Federation submitted their protocol to my Department and I have sent this to my colleague, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD and to the HSE.
In line with the national Return to Work Safely protocol, Fáilte Ireland, in association with relevant authorities and following consultation with all industry sectors, has published guidelines for reopening of various sectors of the tourism industry and these are available here https://covid19.failteireland.ie/industry-updates/guidelines-for-re-opening-published/. Based on public health advice, this guidance document aims to assist businesses within the tourism sector in re-opening, helping them ensure that measures concerning health and safety are incorporated throughout all aspects of business operations in order to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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/.
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 under Phases 1 and 2 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
299. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies that have entered examinership, receivership or liquidation each month since February 2019, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10323/20]
View answerThe Companies Registration Office has provided information on the number of companies that have entered examinership, receivership or liquidation in 2019 and to date in 2020, as set out in tabular form below.
The Companies Act 2014, which provides the statutory framework for each of these mechanisms, reflects international best practice. Statutory provision for limited liability, and the mechanisms of examinership, receivership and liquidation, serve to facilitate entrepreneurship and job creation, while also protecting the interests of other stakeholders, including business creditors, employees and investors.
The challenge that COVID-19 presents for our economy is not at this stage reflected in increased numbers of companies entering examinership, receivership or liquidation. The Government is doing everything possible to limit the impact on companies and employment, as we work collectively to tackle COVID-19.
In order to assist businesses and protect employment, the Government has put in place a comprehensive €12 billion 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
Examinership :
|
Year |
Month |
Appointment of Examiner |
Application to appoint Examiner |
Appointment of Interim Examiner |
|
2019 |
January |
5 |
3 |
3 |
|
2019 |
February |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
2019 |
March |
2 |
3 |
0 |
|
2019 |
April |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
2019 |
May |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
2019 |
June |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
2019 |
July |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
2019 |
August |
2 |
3 |
2 |
|
2019 |
September |
3 |
5 |
4 |
|
2019 |
October |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
2019 |
November |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
2019 |
December |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
24 |
26 |
14 |
|
Year |
Month |
Appointment of Examiner |
Application to appoint Examiner |
Appointment of Interim Examiner |
|
2020 |
January |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2020 |
February |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
2020 |
March |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
2020 |
April |
2 |
3 |
0 |
|
2020 |
May |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
YTD |
6 |
6 |
3 |
Receiverships registered :
|
Year |
Month |
Receivers appointed |
|
2019 |
January |
4 |
|
2019 |
February |
12 |
|
2019 |
March |
9 |
|
2019 |
April |
5 |
|
2019 |
May |
12 |
|
2019 |
June |
11 |
|
2019 |
July |
32 |
|
2019 |
August |
8 |
|
2019 |
September |
22 |
|
2019 |
October |
14 |
|
2019 |
November |
10 |
|
2019 |
December |
7 |
|
Total |
146 |
|
Year |
Month |
Receivers appointed |
|
2020 |
January |
8 |
|
2020 |
February |
3 |
|
2020 |
March |
15 |
|
2020 |
April |
1 |
|
2020 |
May |
5 |
|
YTD |
32 |
Liquidations registered :
|
Year |
Month |
Members |
Creditors |
Court |
|
2019 |
January |
130 |
60 |
6 |
|
2019 |
February |
91 |
44 |
8 |
|
2019 |
March |
97 |
63 |
8 |
|
2019 |
April |
103 |
45 |
7 |
|
2019 |
May |
110 |
60 |
11 |
|
2019 |
June |
96 |
43 |
2 |
|
2019 |
July |
134 |
57 |
8 |
|
2019 |
August |
139 |
30 |
4 |
|
2019 |
September |
153 |
45 |
3 |
|
2019 |
October |
131 |
54 |
1 |
|
2019 |
November |
87 |
35 |
5 |
|
2019 |
December |
201 |
75 |
4 |
|
Total |
1472 |
611 |
67 |
|
Year |
Month |
Members |
Creditors |
Court |
|
2020 |
January |
104 |
44 |
3 |
|
2020 |
February |
80 |
60 |
4 |
|
2020 |
March |
71 |
29 |
5 |
|
2020 |
April |
10 |
11 |
9 |
|
2020 |
May |
109 |
14 |
9 |
|
YTD |
374 |
158 |
30 |
300. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of legislation needed for the credit guarantee scheme to be set up; if the Bill has been drafted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10324/20]
View answerThe Government approved the drafting of legislation to amend the Credit Guarantee Act 2012 (as emended) on 1st May last, as part of a range of new measures to assist businesses to reopen or change their business models in response to the Covid-19 health crisis. Also approved at that Government meeting were proposals which required amendments to two other Acts - the Microfinance Loan Fund Act 2012 and the European Investment Fund Agreement Act 2018.
Officials in my Department have been working urgently with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on priority drafting all of these amendments since the beginning of May to progress all of these amendments as a matter of urgency.
The amendments which are being made to the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012 are necessary to facilitate Microfinance Ireland (MFI) to be able to borrow moneys from bodies other than its parent body, the Social Finance Foundation, and to raise the ceiling on the amount of Exchequer grant that can be provided to Microfinance Ireland. This is intended to allow MFI to have access to greater sources of funding, to enhance its ability to provide more microenterprise loans to those qualifying enterprises in need of financing support. The amendments to the European Investment Fund Agreement Act 2018 will increase the ceiling from €75 million to €500 million on agreements which the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine or myself, with the consent of both the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, may enter into with the European Investment Fund. This will allow the Government to respond to the Covid19 crisis by increasing the size of the Future Growth Loan Scheme and other schemes for Irish enterprises. The Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2020, which will amend the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012 (as amended) and the European Investment Fund Act 2018, was approved for publication at Cabinet on Friday 29th May last.
Separately, the implementation of the new Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme requires amendments to the Credit Guarantee Act 2012 (as amended). Since the Government approved the scheme, officials in my Department have been working urgently alongside the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the priority drafting of the necessary legislation and are also continuing to work with the steering group to design and operationalise the scheme as soon as possible.
My priority is to ensure that both of these Bills can be progressed through the Oireachtas as a matter of urgency following the formation of a new Government. I am very aware of the pressure for enterprise to access these supports in order to be able to resume economic activity and hope that all Parliamentarians will facilitate its urgent commencement.
301. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number and value of loans provided by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland by bank or lending institute for each type of loan product in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10326/20]
View answerThe SME Credit Guarantee Scheme encourages additional lending to SMEs by offering a partial Government guarantee to banks against losses on qualifying loans to eligible SMEs. Loans under the scheme range from €10,000 to €1m for terms of up to seven years.
Government has agreed a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. 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 in having access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment. This Scheme will be available to all SME sectors, including primary producers. It will also have interest rates below current market rates. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.
The Future Growth Loan Scheme currently 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. We have seen strong demand for the scheme since its launch in April 2019, resulting in a rapid take up of the scheme. Funding made available by the scheme facilitates long-term, strategic investment. Our department is working toward an expansion of the scheme which should be announced shortly.
The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is offered by my Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility. The scheme is operated by the SBCI. This scheme is now being expanded to make available significant additional lending under the scheme. The scheme is available 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.
The Brexit Loan Scheme makes lending available to eligible Irish businesses that have been negatively impacted as a result of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Finance provided under the scheme is easier to access, more competitively priced, and offered at more favourable terms than other lending for such businesses.
With the exception of the Credit Guarantee Scheme, these schemes feature a two-stage application process, whereby businesses must first apply to the SBCI to confirm their eligibility under the scheme. Once they have received eligibility confirmation, they can apply to one of the participating finance providers for a loan under the scheme.
Regarding the specific number and value of loans provided by each of the participating finance providers, the SBCI does not release scheme data by bank or lending institution to preserve market confidentiality.
Details of uptake are set out in the following table.
|
Available Scheme |
Total eligibility applications received |
Total Loans (Sanctioned) |
Value of Loans (Sanctioned) |
|
Credit Guarantee Scheme |
N/A |
867 |
€152,559,224 |
|
Future Growth Loan Scheme(as of 05/06/20) |
3,741* |
1,098 |
€240,793,048 |
|
Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme (as of 05/06/20) |
2,984 |
372 |
€45,676,500 |
|
Brexit Loan Scheme (as of 22/05/20) |
1,163 |
270 |
€54,667,300 |
*The figure for total applications under the Future Growth Loan Scheme is that as at 29/05/20, as an updated figure was not yet available at time of writing.
302. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the efforts made by her Department and the IDA to replace the 500 jobs lost by the decision of a company (details supplied) to close by 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10409/20]
View answerThe announcement of redundancies at Molex in Shannon last November was very disappointing. My Department, IDA Ireland and the other enterprise agencies under my remit are determined to source new investment and employment opportunities for Clare that will help offset many of these job losses.
The Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan, which I launched last year, will be a critical tool in that respect. This plan is designed to support the growth of business in the Mid-West and its implementation will help to create quality new jobs for the region. IDA Ireland, for its part, has been continuously engaging with Molex through frequent meetings with senior executives in Shannon. The Agency continues to work proactively to attract and win new investment for Shannon as part of the Mid-West region. They are also working to preserve and grow existing multinational operations in the region with a particular focus on increased global business services and high-tech manufacturing investments.
More broadly, the overall outlook of foreign direct investment (FDI) remains positive for the Mid-West. The region witnessed the creation of 1,133 net new jobs by IDA Ireland client companies in 2019 with County Clare accounting for 222 of these net new jobs. The region has also witnessed significant investment over the last three years and key employers in the region include many large-scale manufacturing employers such as Becton Dickinson, Edwards Lifesciences, Analog Devices, Johnson and Johnson, Regeneron, Stryker and Zimmer.
Notwithstanding this broadly positive FDI landscape for the Mid-West, I am determined, together with the IDA, to intensify our efforts in attracting new investments and jobs for those who have been impacted by the Molex announcement.
303. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports being made available to private bus and coach companies negatively affected by the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10445/20]
View answerIn 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/.
The full range of Enterprise Ireland, 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.
In that regard, Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including micro-enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme was announced on 11 March and opened for eligibility applications on 23 March which also include bus and coach operators. The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is offered by my Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility. The scheme is operated by the SBCI. It currently makes available a fund of up to €200 m 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 further announcement on April 8 this Scheme is now being expanded to make available an additional €250 million in lending, which will bring the total amount of lending available under this scheme to €450 million.
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. We have seen strong demand for the scheme since its launch in April 2019 across all sectors and regions including in exporting businesses and family businesses.
These measures are in addition to the €150m of funding capacity in the Government’s Credit Guarantee Scheme, which is available to bus and coach operators.
For microenterprises (under 10 employees), Microfinance Ireland (MFI) are administering special COVID-19 Loans, with an additional €13m in capital support bringing its total lending capacity up to €20m for the coming period. There is also a substantial reduction in interest rates on these loans from 7.8% to 4.5%. Loans can be made up to €50,000 with no repayments required and no interest charged in the first six months.
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.
My colleague, Minister Shane Ross T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport may be able to provide more specific guidelines or supports designed to suit your particular business.
