Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
153. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available for small businesses if rent arrears are demanded to be paid by landlords post Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18435/21]
View answerThese are difficult times and many companies have had to temporarily close their businesses and / or premise(s), curtail their activities or make alternative work arrangements due to COVID-19 restrictions. I am aware that some businesses are concerned that some landlords are continuing to insist on the payment of rents and leases as normal despite their premises being closed.
The issue of commercial rents is primarily a contractual matter for the parties involved. However, the Government has urged landlords and tenants to talk to one another and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. With this in mind, on 1st October 2020, I published the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents. The aim of the voluntary Code is to facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19. It sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together.
The Code sets out that parties should act in good faith and in an honest and transparent manner. It suggests that tenants seeking new arrangements should be clear as to why assistance is needed. Landlords should provide concessions where they can and, where this is not possible, should clearly set out the reasons for this. The Code also lists some of the issues to consider when determining the impact on a business and the need for concession and also some suggested options for new arrangements.
However, this Code should not be seen in isolation. To date, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest that small business owners contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business. Details of the Code of Conduct and the wide range of supports available for business are on my Department’s website.
The Government is committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible survive this challenging period, and it will continue to look at how we can help businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
