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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (154)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

154. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to provide support under the Covid-19 business aid scheme for those without commercial rates contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18444/21]

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Written answers

I am very aware of the difficulties that business owners continue to face due to the ongoing but necessary COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

With that in mind the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), 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 they contact their Local Enterprise Office and they can signpost and advise of supports that maybe available.

The SBASC scheme you refer to does have a payment of rates eligibility requirement. The intention behind this provision is to assist businesses operating from fixed premises to meet some of the ongoing fixed costs of maintaining those premises.

The schemes are there to help meet fixed costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to maximum of €350 per week. They are not created to provide compensation for loss of personal income above this level or compensation for loss of profits for any sector.

I want to assure you, however, the Government is consulting with business sectors and I am aware of their concerns and I and my colleagues across Government are continuing to keep the range of measures under review.

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