Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
453. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will investigate a situation that has arisen with regard to microenterprises that are unable to access the restart grant in view of the fact they do not operate in a rateable premises; and if she is considering other liquidity grants for this type of business in order to assist them with reopening. [11437/20]
View answerThe Restart grant is designed to help small and micro commercial enterprises to re-launch their business and reconnect with their employees and customers. The grant is being paid using the Local Authorities Commercial Rates System as the most efficient means of delivery. The grant is the amount of the 2019 rates assessment subject to a minimum grant of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
To qualify for a grant, an eligible business:
- Must have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees.
- Must have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1 April 2020 to 30th June 2020.
- Must commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed.
- Must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
The aim is to get these businesses up and running, trading as normally as possible so that they can retain employees who will no longer need a temporary wage subsidy or be able to take back workers who are on Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
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.
For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
