Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
84. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to provide sufficient funding to the local enterprise offices and Údarás na Gaeltachta to fund all valid applications under the business continuity scheme; the estimated cost of doing so; the expenditure under the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21707/20]
View answerThe Business Continuity Voucher scheme was launched on 26th March. The purpose of the scheme was to provide expert guidance and advice to SMEs employing up 50 people and enable business owners make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions could be taken at the outset of this crisis, to protect staff and sales and eventually help the business recover.
The scheme was operated by the Local Enterprise Offices in 31 locations nationwide and was a resounding success in terms of uptake due to it being an appropriate response and support to recognised business needs for that point in time.
It is in the context of the reopening of the economy with more and more businesses having transitioned from the planning to opening up of their business that the Business Continuity Voucher was phased out. The BCV was subsequently superseded by the Restart Grant which was introduced to assist micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.
The LEOs continue to work with some existing applicants and recipients of Business Continuity Voucher vouchers and their subsequent business continuity plans.
My Department is providing funding of €27m for the LEOs to fund all valid applications approved under the business continuity scheme. The value of the Business Continuity Vouchers approved to the 26th August 2020 is €25,695,783. The value of Business Continuity Vouchers paid to the 26th August 2020 is €8,197,572.
Funding and schemes operated by Údaras na Gaeltachta are a matter for the Department for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.
