Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
134. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the Covid-19 business aid scheme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12563/21]
View answerAs you are aware, I recently announced a new €60m Covid Business Scheme. The aim of this scheme is to provide grants to businesses ineligible for the Government’s other existing schemes such as CRSS and is designed to help with fixed costs. Wholesalers, suppliers, caterers and events companies down 75% or more in turnover and in receipt of a rates bill may benefit, including those that commenced after the 1st November 2019 where their turnover is below projections.
I am committed to helping businesses respond to the economic challenges arising from the pandemic with a particular focus on firms that do not qualify for the weekly CRSS grant from the Revenue Commissioners or existing sectoral schemes in areas such as the arts, transport and tourism.
This new scheme will help some businesses that are not eligible for existing grants, largely due to the fact that the premises they operate from have not been closed to the public. We estimate that this will help approximately 7,500 businesses. While the grant is modest it will be of substantial assistance to smaller businesses with some of their fixed costs like rent, utilities and security.
The details of the Scheme are currently being finalised and I plan to launch it in the coming days.
