The unprecedented circumstances of the COVID19 global pandemic has resulted in a swiftly evolving landscape for enterprises. The Government has and 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.
Tradespersons and mobile businesses are aware of the need to follow all COVID19 procedures as advised by the HSE and Government. The Government specifically provided for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to be available for self-employed during the period of the lockdown. However, it is the case that during the period of such restrictions there were some exceptions to the COVID19 emergency restrictions in particular in the case of a household emergency and to address safety issues occurring in the home such as roof repairs, electrical repairs and plumbing emergencies provided each tradesperson adheres to the appropriate safeguards in terms of maintaining social distancing, handwashing, use of appropriate PPE and the necessity to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in and around working areas.
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/.
