Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2021

Thursday, 1 April 2021

Questions (9)

John McGuinness

Question:

9. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider a compensation package for retailers of clothing and footwear that had forward purchased seasonal stock which now remains unsold due to Covid-19 restrictions and cannot be returned to the suppliers due to the nature of the purchase contracts; if zero interest loans through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland or other entities will be considered for the sector; if retailers depending on the sale of seasonal stock will be allowed to open under separate regulations for their trade; if the click and collect facility will be allowed; if such affected retailers will be exempted from the rule under the employment wage subsidy scheme relating to a monthly drop in income of 30% to allow the support to continue thereby assisting with cash flow and enabling existing levels of employment to continue; if the Covid restrictions support scheme will be increased for these retailers; if he will devise a plan of ongoing supports for this sector based on the suggestions and considering the challenges the sector faces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17857/21]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I am keenly aware of the critical role that the retail sector plays, as the largest private sector employer in Ireland, in contributing to the Irish economy.

The past year has been a difficult year for all businesses, including retailers. The impact of both the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit have posed significant challenges for businesses and it is vital that businesses continue to develop their resilience in the face of these and future challenges.

My colleague, Minister English, as chair of the Retail Forum, has met regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to discuss and assess matters impacting the sector as a result of COVID-19 and Brexit.

I would like to thank retailers for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.

Decisions on lifting the current temporary restrictions are made by Government based on health advice. I know that adequate notice is important for the sector and I will provide as much notice as possible based on the timing and nature of the decision by Government.

The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

My colleague the Minister for Finance is responsible for matters relating to the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme.

The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID, which I launched, is a €60million grant scheme that was announced by Government recently and applications are now being taken by the Local Authorities. The closing date for this scheme is 21st April, 2021. It is a scheme designed to support those who are ineligible for CRSS and other sectoral schemes. The scheme will provide a grant of €4,000 to businesses to assist with their fixed costs eg rent, utilities, security etc.

Further details of this scheme are also available on https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

All Government COVID support schemes are being kept under review.