Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
422. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available to the self-employed restarting work post Covid-19; the supports for sole traders that do not pay rates to a local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10822/20]
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 from the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland, low-cost loans from MicroFinance Ireland and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, 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.
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.
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/.
