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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Questions (77)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

77. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to help small businesses, such as restaurants, which had to close for a period of months to assist with the rent payments that are still due even though they were not trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22212/20]

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Written answers

The Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro, small, and medium-sized businesses with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. The scheme is designed to help with the cost of reopening or adapting business premises so that normal business can resume. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant could be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, for example, utilities, insurance, rent, refurbishment or for measures to ensure employee and customer safety.

Furthermore, the Restart Grant Plus is just one part of the wider suite of schemes available to firms of all sizes, which includes low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.

All COVID-19 Business Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate. In that regard, I can assure the deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine how best to further assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 as part of the forthcoming National Economic Plan.

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