Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will address the issue of the allocation of restart grants by local authorities due to insufficient funding which prevents them from allocating funding to companies outside of phases 1 and 2 under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business even if the application has been successfully processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13982/20]
View answerEligible businesses which had stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those which were reopening under Phase 1 (from 18th May) and Phase 2 (8th June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business are encouraged to apply for the Restart Grant.
As the Deputy will be aware, the acceleration of the Roadmap lead to a further number of businesses allowed to reopen in advance of what was initially anticipated and there is no longer a need for prioritisation of applications in line with reopening dates. Accordingly, all eligible businesses are invited to apply for the grant.
Regarding the funding of the scheme, I am satisfied, based on original estimates provided through the Local Authorities, that the Scheme is sufficiently funded.
22. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if support will be provided to the publican sector with regard to the issue of loss of stock due to its perishable nature as a result of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13983/20]
View answerThe Government has introduced a €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. 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/
This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this 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.
On the June 25th it was announced that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant would be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. This will provide business owners with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
As an immediate step I would encourage all pub owners to apply for the Government's Restart Grant, which is available through all local authorities. Grants of between €2,000 to €10,000 are available based on a simple online application form and funds are being transferred electronically directly to businesses.
In addition, there are a number of loan schemes which have been put in place to assist all businesses. The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility.
The Future Growth Loan Scheme open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps currently makes loans available with a term of 8-10 years and is operated by (SBCI) through participating lenders.
The new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to aid SMEs is a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.
Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.
- MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises – (any business, Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m) are facing.
- Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.
23. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 422 of 16 June 2020, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that not all tradespersons continued to operate as a result of Covid-19; if such persons can apply for the restart grant in view of the fact they are returning to their work the same as the self-employed and businesses that pay rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13986/20]
View answerThe Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for commercial firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help those businesses to continue trading and to maintain employment.
This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time and the measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise. They are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.
Specifically with regard to tradespersons who do not operate from rateable premises and are thus ineligible for the Restart Grant, I wish to advise the deputy on June 25th it was announced that the Department of Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant.
The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
All Covid 19 business supports and Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate, including adaptations to the phased opening of our economy. In that regard, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19. Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework. Any suggestions the Deputy has in this regard would be welcomed.
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/
24. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will consider a proposal by a person (details supplied) on businesses which are ineligible for grants but may play a key role in the restart of local SMEs going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14014/20]
View answerThe Restart Grant is just one part of a wider assistance package for business and 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. Within the funding available, the priority has been to assist those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but whom will still have incurred ongoing costs.
As the publisher referred to seems to be a sole trader, then perhaps the Government’s Enterprise Support Grant announced on 25th June may be more suitable to help reinvigorate this business. The Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.Many businesses are reluctant to take on debt at this uncertain time, but any business (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company) with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m may apply to Microfinance Ireland for funding from €5,000 – €50,000 where the business is not in a position to avail of finance from Banks and other commercial lending providers. The loan incurs 0% interest for the first six months and no repayments. Thereafter a reduced interest rate of 4.5% APR applies to loans applied for through the Local Enterprise Office and this may provide them with the necessary capital injection to help them recover, while the surrounding businesses that provide the bulk of their revenue continue to find their feet. All Covid19 business Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate, including adaptations to the phased opening of our economy. Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework.
Any SME should speak to representatives from their Local Enterprise Office to discuss what assistance and guidance they can offer, noting that the Local Enterprise Offices do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses.
Full details on all COVID19 measures for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
25. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the costings carried out on the programme for Government; and if he will provide documents on those costings. [14023/20]
View answerMy Department has not carried out any costings on the Programme for Government.
26. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the provisions in place for those that are not commercial rates payers but wish to avail of the restart scheme or similar in order to reinvent their businesses, for example, bed and breakfast owners that want to convert to self-catering accommodation. [14039/20]
View answerThe Restart Grant is just one part of a wider assistance package for business and 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. Within the funding available, the priority has been to assist those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but whom will still have incurred ongoing costs.
On the June 25, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced that the Department’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
Currently, any business (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company) with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m may apply to Microfinance Ireland for funding from €5,000 – €50,000 where the business is not in a position to avail of finance from Banks and other commercial lending providers. The loan incurs 0% interest for the first six months and Zero repayments. Thereafter a reduced interest rate of 4.5% APR applies to loans applied for through the Local Enterprise Office.
Regarding any further targeted measures specifically aimed at the tourism sector, in March 2020 a dedicated Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established made up of leaders from various sectors of the industry, who will work together to deal with the many challenges ahead. It has been specifically tasked with identifying measures required to enable Irish tourism to recover from the devastating effects of COVID19.
All Covid 19 business Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate, including adaptations to the phased opening of our economy. Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework.
Full details on all COVID19 measures for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
27. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the external consultancy organisation or provider which delivered diversity and inclusion training within his Department from 2018 to date; the costs associated with such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14048/20]
View answerMy Department has not engaged an external consultancy organisation or provider to deliver diversity and inclusion training since 2018.
28. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the expenditure his Department incurred in respect of external legal fees in each of the years from 2016 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14065/20]
View answerThe following link contains information concerning the amount of external legal fees, inclusive of VAT, incurred by my Department and Offices for the period from January 2016 to June 2020.
The table contained in the link does not include expenditure on external legal fees incurred by the Department's Agencies.
31. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications made to the Covid-19 restart grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14138/20]
View answerThe Restart Grant scheme is just one part of the wider €12bn suite of measures 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 assistance 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.
As of 6 July 2020, the Restart Grant scheme has received a total of 37,525 applications across 31 local authorities nationwide.
32. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports or grants available to a sector (details supplied) in the context of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14147/20]
View answerThe Government has introduced a €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. 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/
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.
On June 25th it was announced that the Department of Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. This will provide business owners with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
There are a number of loan schemes which have been put in place to assist businesses. The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility.
The new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to aid SMEs is a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.
Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.
- MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises – (any business -Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m)- are facing.
- Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.
- For existing companies and potential start-ups that meet eligibility criteria (such as employing 10 or fewer people with the potential for growth and job creation), Local Enterprise Offices can also offer financial supports to help manage current market challenges such as Business Priming Grants, Business Expansion Grants, Feasibility Study Grants and Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters Grant
The Government is examining what additional measures may be warranted as part of the forthcoming Recovery Plan.
33. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to situations in which business owners that do not hold EEA citizen status that had their visas automatically renewed by the INIS due to Covid-19 restrictions, are being told by the Companies Registration Office that they are unable to register their business name until they can prove that they are allowed trade in Ireland, in view of the fact this is impossible at this time due to the closure and significant backlog in the INIS offices. [14165/20]
View answerUnder the Registration of Business Names Act, 1963, an application for registration must be submitted to the CRO within one month of the date of adoption of the business name. The CRO requires that applicants who are not EEA or Swiss nationals must provide a copy of their current Irish Residency Permit.
In light of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the immigration service of the Department of Justice and Equality announced that all Irish Residency Permits due to expire between 20/03/2020 and 20/05/2020 were automatically renewed for a period of two months. This arrangement was extended for permits due to expire between 20/05/2020 and 20/07/2020.
I understand that the Registrar of Companies has reviewed the current administrative arrangements in place when dealing with applicants who are not EEA / Swiss nationals and will now accept expired Irish Residency Permits which fall into the automatic renewal criteria announced by the immigration service. Any applicants who have been unsuccessful on the basis of a residency permit that has expired since 20/03/2020 can now resubmit their applications to the CRO and they will be processed in accordance with the Registrar’s decision.
34. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the timeline for transposition of the representative action directive; the body to be named as qualified entity for the purposes of launching actions for injunction and redress under the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14208/20]
View answerThe European Commission published a proposal in 2018 for a Directive on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers and for the repeal of the Injunctions Directive 2009/22/EC. The purpose of the Directive is to contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market by achieving a high level of consumer protection through the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of Member States concerning representative actions. To this end, the Directive aims to improve consumers access to justice. The EU co-legislators reached a political agreement on the draft Directive on 22 June 2020, however it will still have to be formally approved by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament before it becomes EU law.
When the draft Directive becomes EU law, Member States will have 24 months within which to transpose it into their domestic legislative framework. The issue of how a qualified entity will be enabled to seek injunction and redress measures in the course of a representative action will be addressed by my Department during the transposition period.
35. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of SME restart grants granted to businesses for each county to date; the amount awarded to businesses in total to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14463/20]
View answerI have set out in the following table the total number of applications received and which have been paid and the value of same per Local Authority under the Restart Grant scheme as of 6 July 2020. A further €17,844,688 of grant funding has been approved as of this date and will be paid shortly.
|
Local Authority |
NUMBER APPLICATIONS PAID |
VALUE APPLICATIONS PAID € |
|
Carlow |
227 |
€889,198 |
|
Cavan |
256 |
€865,639 |
|
Clare |
702 |
€2,598,527 |
|
Cork City |
531 |
€2,539,245 |
|
Cork County |
957 |
€3,433,004 |
|
Donegal |
439 |
€1,703,121 |
|
Dublin City |
388 |
€1,844,390 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
285 |
€1,542,676 |
|
Fingal |
795 |
€4,076,918 |
|
Galway City |
800 |
€4,139,541 |
|
Galway County |
824 |
€2,800,975 |
|
Kerry |
753 |
€3,202,217 |
|
Kildare |
649 |
€2,829,902 |
|
Kilkenny |
421 |
€1,611,166 |
|
Laois |
249 |
€795,589 |
|
Leitrim |
203 |
€565,315 |
|
Limerick |
1032 |
€4,458,328 |
|
Longford |
111 |
€375,837 |
|
Louth |
476 |
€2,171,433 |
|
Mayo |
1018 |
€3,605,748 |
|
Meath |
964 |
€3,804,199 |
|
Monaghan |
598 |
€2,013,226 |
|
Offaly |
287 |
€955,327 |
|
Roscommon |
325 |
€1,104,296 |
|
Sligo |
481 |
€1,721,574 |
|
South Dublin |
230 |
€1,355,320 |
|
Tipperary |
913 |
€3,064,381 |
|
Waterford |
678 |
€2,853,008 |
|
Westmeath |
662 |
€2,263,116 |
|
Wexford |
994 |
€3,904,777 |
|
Wicklow |
503 |
€1,931,284 |
|
GRAND TOTALS |
17,751 |
€71,019,277 |
36. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will review the business restart grant to remove the barrier to small business in circumstances in which the qualification is linked to rateable premises in view of the number of businesses that operate, provide services and maintain and generate employment in the smaller towns and villages. [14481/20]
View answerThe Restart Grant is just one part of a wider assistance package for business and 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. Within the funding available, the priority has been to assist those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but whom will still have incurred ongoing costs. I can assure the Deputy that I am keeping our range supports under continuous review and we will be considering all options in developing the forthcoming Recovery Plan.
On the 25 June, the then Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced that the Department’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
Currently, any business (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company) with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m may apply to Microfinance Ireland for funding from €5,000 – €50,000 where the business is not in a position to avail of finance from Banks and other commercial lending providers. The loan incurs 0% interest for the first six months and Zero repayments. Thereafter a reduced interest rate of 4.5% APR applies to loans applied for through the Local Enterprise Office.
All Covid 19 business Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate, including adaptations to the phased opening of our economy. Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework.
Full details on all COVID19 measures for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
37. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will publish the Departmental briefing paper on his role, remits and powers afforded to him upon appointment to the Cabinet. [14518/20]
View answerYes. These briefing papers will be published on the Department's website in coming weeks.
38. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount in grants disbursed to businesses under the restart grant since its inception; and the number of grants disbursed to businesses under the restart grant since its inception disaggregated by the value of grants in intervals of €1,000, from €2,000 to €10,000. [14546/20]
View answerAs of 6 July 2020, a total sum of €71,019,277 in grants has been disbursed to businesses under the Restart Grant scheme since its inception in May 2020. A further sum of €17,844,688 is due to be paid in respect of applications which have recently been approved.
The additional information which the Deputy is seeking in terms of the amounts per thousand disbursed to businesses since the inception of the Restart Grant is still in the process of being collected from the local authorities and will be made available at a later date.
39. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if taxi drivers will be allowed access to the various support schemes for SMEs from which they are currently excluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14566/20]
View answerThe Government has introduced a €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. 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/
Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.
MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises – (any business -Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m)- are facing.
Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.
The former Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty on 25 June announced that her Department’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. This will provide business owners with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them. I will keep the supports provided under review and continue to support businesses as they work through the challenges facing them.
My colleague, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for Transport may be able to provide more specific guidelines or supports designed to suit your particular business.
40. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if specific supports have been provided to the commercial launderette and dry-cleaning sectors; his plans to provide bespoke assistance to these businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14569/20]
View answerThe Government has introduced a €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the temporary 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. 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/
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.
There are a number of loan schemes which have been put in place to assist businesses. The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility.
The Future Growth Loan Scheme open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps currently makes loans available with a term of 8-10 years and is operated by (SBCI) through participating lenders.
The new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to aid SMEs is a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business, in the first instance they act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector. Supports offered through the Local Enterprise Offices include mentoring and training. The Mentor Programme is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owner/ managers who need practical and strategic one to one advice and guidance. The mentor contributes independent, informed observation and advice to aid decision making. Furthermore, the LEOs have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online. The LEOs provide a wide range of high-quality training supports which are tailored to meet specific business requirements. In addition to this, the LEOs launched the LEO Client Training Initiative which is a new ‘Lunch & Learn’ live training webinar series. This is open and accessible to all LEO client companies and prospective clients across the country, with no registration or sign-up required.
In addition to the above, the LEOs act as a signposting service for businesses to other business supports, the full extent of which can be viewed on my Department’s website at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection's Enterprise Support Grant has been made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. This will provide business owners with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
Government is considering what further initiatives are needed as part of the forthcoming Recovery Plan. Any suggestions the Deputy has in this regard would be welcome.
