Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will meet individually with representatives of associations (details supplied) regarding the impact of Covid-19 and the public health restrictions on the pub and restaurant sector. [29940/21]
View answerThe Government announced a new Economic Recovery Plan this week, with €3.5 billion of stimulus to fuel the economy and help businesses to recover and rebuild. Across 2020 and 2021, €38 billion was provided to help our people and businesses cope with the pandemic.
There will be a number of changes to the current financial assistance as public health restrictions unwind.
- The Covid-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) are being extended until the end of 2021.
- The commercial rates waiver will continue in its current form during the third quarter of this year.
- The 9% VAT rate will be extended until the 1 September, 2022.
- Tax warehousing is being extended until the end of the year and will be interest free in 2022.
- A new additional, more streamlined business assistance scheme, the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) will be introduced in September 2021 for businesses with very significantly reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions.
Work is ongoing across Government to ensure the supports which will be in place are sufficient, targeted and sustainable. The National Economic Recovery Plan charts the pathway forward for our country, not only to recover economically but to create a new, better normal.
I meet with the Vintners Federation of Ireland, the Licensed Vintners Association and the Restaurants Association of Ireland on an ongoing basis through the Hospitality and Tourism Forum, which I jointly chair with Minister Catherine Martin. The forum met again yesterday to discuss the reopening of the economy and the Economic Recovery Plan. In addition, Minister Donohoe, Minister Martin and I met with the LVI, the VFI, the Restaurants Association and the Irish Hotels Federation on 15 January 2021 last.
At each point of closing or re-opening of the economy due to COVID-19 I have met with a group of relevant stakeholders, including these three associations, to update them on latest Government developments and answer questions.
I am open to meeting with the associations individually if such a meeting is requested.
My colleague, Minister Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, may be able to provide more specific details on supports for the hospitality sector, for which she has lead responsibility.
22. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way his Department plans to address the concerns articulated by employers and trade unions regarding the rights and responsibilities for employers relating to unvaccinated staff to keep their workplaces and customers safe particularly in smaller enterprises. [30031/21]
View answerI want to firstly acknowledge that Ireland is in the recovery phase of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccination roll-out is essential to this recovery and to the re-opening of society and the economy. Our vaccination programme is very successful to-date with over 2.5million doses administered at this point. As stated at the launch of the recently revised Work Safely Protocol, vaccine hesitancy has not yet emerged as a problem in Ireland.
The Work Safely Protocol sets out guidance for employers around vaccinations, this is contained in section D14 of the Protocol. Fundamentally, the decision to get a vaccination against COVID-19 is voluntary and workers will therefore make their own individual decisions in this regard. There are no plans to make vaccinations mandatory in Ireland. However, employers working together with their workers and their representatives, may wish to provide advice and information on the vaccination programme, to ensure that any worker with a hesitancy has the necessary information to make an informed decision. Communication between employers and employees will be important to identify any potential problems. For example, an employer might decide that an employee who is not vaccinated should not be assigned a customer facing role and that, in these circumstances, they should be redeployed with agreement to another position within the organisation.
The vast majority of employers and employees are anxious to get back to work and appreciate that having a significant cohort of the population vaccinated is a positive development for the post pandemic recovery.
23. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the roadmap for business supports post-Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30228/21]
View answerThe newly published Economic Recovery Plan sets out the roadmap for business supports over the coming months.
The Government was clear that there would be no cliff edge to this assistance and that businesses would be given as much certainty about the levels of help which will be available in the future as this pandemic allows.
The Economic Recovery Plan provides this certainty and a clear pathway for the labour market and enterprise towards new opportunities as more and more of the economy re-opens.
The Plan includes in excess of €3.5 billion in further labour market and enterprise aids and just under €1 billion additional funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
The confirmation that the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) will continue until the end of the year provides certainty to businesses as they resume activity, similarly, a range of short term measures provide businesses with confidence of the Government’s continuing help.
These include the extension of the Covid-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and enhancements to re-start payments; the extension of the Commercial Rates Waiver until the end of September 2021; the provision of a new additional Business Resumption Support Scheme; a further extension of Tax Debt Warehousing until the end of 2021; and an extension of the 9% tourism VAT rate until September 2022.
In the longer term, the Plan aims to have 2.5 million people in work by 2024, these jobs will be more productive, innovative, resilient and in new areas of opportunity, aligned with the Government’s green and digital ambitions.
That ambition will be achieved through significant investment, with our National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), revised National Development Plan, and Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
The proposals in the ERP, which include the extension of existing schemes for businesses, will help both businesses and employees recover from the impact of the pandemic by enabling businesses to grow again and reverse the losses in employment suffered over recent months.
24. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a commitment will be given to act as an advocate for the TRIPS waiver while recognising that there is no single solution to the threat of Covid-19 within the developing world. [24638/21]
View answer25. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on pursuing existing flexibilities in the WTO TRIPS agreement to allow for compulsory licensing regarding Covid-19 vaccines facilitate the universal and equitable access to said vaccines. [30066/21]
View answer29. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will support the request for a waiver of intellectual property rights under the TRIPS for Covid-19 vaccines; the contact he has had with the Irish Permanent Representatives in Geneva on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24138/21]
View answer31. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his position on the TRIPS waiver. [24198/21]
View answer107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with his counterparts at EU level with regard to waiving intellectual property rights for Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30197/21]
View answer112. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that Covid-19 vaccine trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights waiver is addressed through the WTO TRIPS Agreement. [30065/21]
View answerUniversal and equitable access to safe, effective and affordable vaccines, diagnostics and treatments is crucial in the global fight against COVID-19.
International Trade is a competence of the EU under the Treaties. In exercising that competence at the World Trade Organisation or WTO, the European Commission engages with Member States, including Ireland, through a variety of Committee and Working Parties/Groups, including on intellectual property, or IP.
South Africa and India have amended their original proposal for a waiver by broadening the scope to cover all health products and technologies including diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, medical devices, personal protective equipment, their materials or components, and their methods and means of manufacture for the prevention, treatment or containment of COVID-19.
The announcement by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai regarding the U.S. Government’s support for a waiver of IP protections for COVID-19 vaccines, is significant. However, the statement acknowledged that reaching agreement on this at the WTO will take time given the consensus-based nature of the institution and the complexity of the issues involved.
The President of the EU Commission has responded to the U.S. announcement by indicating its readiness to discuss the U.S. proposal at the WTO. Ireland will engage with the European Commission and other member states on the EU position for the WTO discussions including discussions on how the U.S. announcement for a waiver on intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines can help to resolve the crisis.
The EU continues to be committed to an open and comprehensive dialogue with all WTO members to explore how the multilateral rules-based trading system can best support universal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
The EU believes that the WTO international agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (The TRIPS Agreement), allows countries the flexibility to respond to the concerns raised by proponents of the wavier. Specifically, the TRIPS Agreement allows compulsory licensing which is when a government permits an entity to produce the patented product or process without the consent of the patent owner.
The EU also believes that voluntary licensing and the dissemination of technology and know-how is the more effective way of quickly scaling up manufacturing globally. To this end, at the EU level, the Commission has set-up a Task Force for Industrial Scale-up of COVID-19 vaccine production which aims to support the ramp-up of production capacity and resolve supply chain bottlenecks.
The EU considers that the COVAX Facility, the international initiative to ensure global supply and access to COVID vaccines, is the mechanism that is best placed to ensure that high-income countries finance the vaccines and support the developing countries to secure their share of global supply.
The EU also considers that investment in global manufacturing capacity is key to supporting the global vaccination effort and the EU Commission is supporting a number of initiatives to achieve this, such as, the €1 billion Team Europe initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies in Africa.
26. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated loss of employment in the productive sectors of the economy due to the Covid-19 pandemic; the steps he plans taking to stimulate employment in the productive sectors of the economy post-Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29214/21]
View answerThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced as an emergency response to support workers who lost their jobs as a result of business closures due to Covid-19.
On 25 May 2021, there were 333,993 people in receipt of the PUP, with steady declines recorded throughout the months of March, April and May. This compares to 598,000 workers that were in receipt of PUP on 5 May last year.
The gradual easing of restrictions has already seen the number of people in receipt of the PUP decrease across the worst affected sectors and the economy as a whole in 2021.
PUP recipients in the Construction sector have decreased by more than half, falling from 62,902 in February to 28,758 in May. Over the month of May, PUP recipients in the Wholesale and Retail Sector fell from 65,984 to 54,391 as outlets reopened. The sector including hairdressing and beauty salons has also seen PUP claimants fall from 33,609 on the 27 April to 20,031 on 25h May as outlets re-opened. The Government will continue to provide help and guidance for businesses through the recovery phase and beyond, which in turn will help support employment in the economy.
These include the €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund, Sustaining Enterprise Fund, Trading Online Vouchers and Online Retail Scheme, Climate Enterprise Action Fund and Financial planning and other grant schemes.
My Department has also recently amended the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC), which was introduced to help businesses not eligible for CRSS, the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme or other direct sectoral grant schemes, to provide grant aid to assist with fixed costs.
There are also steps being taken to ensure the skills required by our economy are in place for the future and a range of initiatives for reskilling and upskilling to help businesses and employees.
For example, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has created two new skills programmes to assist the hospitality and tourism sectors with COVID-19 challenges and ensure they are ready for the re-opening of the sectors this summer. These programmes focus on skills to develop team leaders and supervisory management capability.
27. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the State supports he has offered to vaccine manufacturers. [15091/21]
View answerIt is well known that Ireland is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in the pharmaceutical sector and in the broader life sciences sector. In recognition of the critical work of those Irish-based companies, last October I convened a series of short meetings with several of IDA Ireland’s biopharmaceutical client companies to hear about the crucial role they are playing in the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and particularly on the work being done in Ireland to assist in the global efforts to combat COVID-19. It was clear from these meetings and IDA Ireland's ongoing mapping of the sector that, at the time, there was no available capacity within these existing pharmaceutical plants to produce COVID-19 vaccines.
In recent weeks, a global client of IDA Ireland, Pfizer, announced plans that it is to manufacture a COVID -19 vaccine drug substance at its facility in Dublin. Expansion plans at this site will allow for the extra production that will be part of the global vaccine supply chain network, contributing to the worldwide supply of the vaccine. This represents a vote of confidence in the Irish life-sciences sector.
Separate to existing capacity, the COVID-19 Products Scheme was developed jointly by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland under the European Commission Temporary Framework that allows additional aid to be granted by EU Member States to companies that are developing or producing medicinal products used in the fight against COVID-19.IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are supporting a range of companies with product and process solutions of relevance to the ongoing global response to tackling Covid-19. This includes some projects in the area of vaccines as well as many other projects in areas such as PPE production, medical devices, sanitisers & sanitising equipment and diagnostic tests, all of which remain important responses to the Covid-19 challenge.In the area of vaccine production, Enterprise Ireland has identified Irish companies that can offer solutions to the bottleneck of vaccine production, including specialist services underpinning vaccine manufacturing and related laboratory works etc. Enterprise Ireland is currently working with client companies in these areas to deliver on their proposals under the COVID-19 Products Scheme.
28. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Offaly and Laois that have availed of the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30053/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) is the largest loan guarantee scheme in the history of the State. The Scheme provides €2 billion in lending, for terms up to five-and-a-half years and offers a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million at interest rates below market rates for similar type loans. It is available to SMEs and small mid-caps (business with less than 500 employees), including primary producers (businesses engaged in the farming and seafood sectors). The Scheme is available until 31 December 2021 following a Government decision in March to extend it in line with the extension of the European Commission’s Temporary Framework on State Aid.
In order to provide the public with relevant data on the performance of the scheme, my Department publishes weekly and monthly reports on its website. These reports provide data on loans drawn under a wide variety of themes and are available at enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Credit-Guarantee-Scheme-Performance-Reports.html.
As at 20 May:
- 83 businesses in County Offaly have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €4,434,494
- 85 businesses in County Laois have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €4,108,396.
The Scheme is currently available through three commercial banks, six non-bank lenders and nineteen credit unions. This long-term policy goal of diversification adds competition in the market and ensures a wide range of loan products are available throughout the regions.
I would strongly encourage businesses to avail of the low-cost lending facilities provided under the scheme as they look towards reopening.
30. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the legislation resulting from the recommendations of the Duffy-Cahill report. [30225/21]
View answer76. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way he will he will ensure that employees’ rights and redundancy agreements will be adhered to in cases of liquidation following the ending of the industrial action at a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29216/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 76 together.
A 'Plan for Action on Collective Redundancies following Insolvency' was presented by Minister English and Minister Troy to the social partners last week. I understand it was well-received. I intend for the Plan to be published shortly.
The Plan details short and medium-term measures that will further enhance the protection of employees who find themselves in a redundancy situation due to company insolvency, in a way that does not overly impede businesses and their operations.
The Plan includes commitments to:
- Introduce amendments to a range of legislation in areas of employment law and company law dealing with matters relating to collective redundancies following company insolvency,
- Develop a Guidance Document which will provide clear and accessible information in relation to the rights and remedies available to employees facing a collective redundancy situation following a company insolvency,
And, separately, in the area of employment law more broadly to:
- Establish an independent Employment Law Review Group, comprising expert stakeholders, which will help shape the formulation of policy and legislation to ensure that Ireland’s employment law framework remains fit for purpose and adapts to the evolving contemporary workplace.
This complementary range of measures will promote the provision of quality information, enhance participation and transparency for those workers facing a collective redundancy following company insolvency, and will also provide for continued development of employment law in general.
Work will continue, with ongoing engagement with trade unions and business representative groups, against the timeframes outlined in the Plan for Action. Government will be ready to respond as the plan progresses.
32. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details and estimated cost of all schemes being operated by his Department to mitigate the effects on businesses due to Covid-19 during the first half of 2021; the estimated cost for the second half of 2021; the length of time he expects there will be a need for such supports to businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29213/21]
View answerThe financial support the Government is providing businesses and workers affected by the pandemic is unprecedented. Information on the wide range of supports can be found on my Department’s website enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
To date over businesses have benefited by more than €6.5 billion in Wage supports and Employer PRSI foregone. Taxes owing to the Exchequer to the tune of €2.3 billion have been warehoused by over 85,000 businesses. Restart Grants saw over €630 million paid directly to businesses and a further €48.5 million has been set aside for payment via the SBASC grant. CRSS payments have totalled over €533 million. The total allocation for the Sustaining Enterprise Fund Scheme being provided in 2021 in my Department’s new estimate is €175m.
The SBCI Working Capital Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme and the upcoming Brexit Impact Loan Scheme are each underpinned by a state guarantee (provided through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland), with counter-guarantees from the European Investment Fund (EIF). The guarantees under these schemes are secured with Exchequer funding, with additional Exchequer costs related to administration of the schemes. The Exchequer costs for the schemes arise in accordance with the agreed schedules with SBCI and EIF.
The guarantee schemes operating under the Credit Guarantee Act, which includes the CCGS, are based on contingent liability. This means that there is no cost to the State unless a participating enterprise is unable to pay back the loan for more than 90 days, whereupon the loan enters a default stage, and the finance provider can call on the guarantee for 80 percent of the outstanding balance. These demands will be called on through the operator of the scheme, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). There have been no calls on the guarantee to date. Operational and legal costs associated with implementation of the scheme from 1 January 2021 to 27 May 2021 amounted to €935,702. A value of €25.5 million has been included in the Estimates for 2021 to meet operational costs and any claims which might arise under the scheme.
The costs for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the first and second half of 2021 across the different schemes are set out in the table below/attached.
33. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in County Mayo that have availed of the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30034/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) is the largest loan guarantee scheme in the history of the State. The Scheme provides €2 billion in lending, for terms up to five-and-a-half years and offers a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million at interest rates below market rates for similar type loans. It is available to SMEs and small mid-caps (business with less than 500 employees), including primary producers (businesses engaged in the farming and seafood sectors). The Scheme is available until 31 December 2021 following a Government decision in March to extend it in line with the extension of the European Commission’s Temporary Framework on State Aid.
In order to provide the public with relevant data on the performance of the scheme, my Department publishes weekly and monthly reports on its website. These reports provide data on loans drawn under a wide variety of themes and are available at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Credit-Guarantee-Scheme-Performance-Reports.html
As at 20 May, 264 businesses in County Mayo have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €14,731,032.
The Scheme is currently available through three commercial banks, six non-bank lenders and nineteen credit unions. This long-term policy goal of diversification adds competition in the market and ensures a wide range of loan products are available throughout the regions.
I would strongly encourage businesses to avail of the low-cost lending facilities provided under the scheme as they look towards reopening.
34. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to return to full employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30229/21]
View answerThe Economic Recovery Plan published on Tuesday sets an ambitious target to exceed pre-crisis employment levels by having 2.5 million people in work by 2024 and in more productive and resilient jobs.
As SMEs account for over two thirds of total employment, a strong focus on indigenous SMEs is critical to a jobs-led recovery. The Government is pursuing a two-pronged recovery approach; a focus on domestic SMEs, whilst leveraging and reinforcing the enormous strength and resilience of the Foreign Direct Investment sector in Ireland and its indispensable contribution to communities across the country.
The twin decarbonisation and digitalisation transition and associated behavioural changes will profoundly alter the economy. Embracing these transitions will also open up substantial new opportunities for businesses and support significant job creation. Automation will have both positive and negative implications, however, the emerging consensus is that more occupations will change than will be automated away. Innovation, collaboration and knowledge are the cornerstone of a sustainable growth model and a prosperous renewed economy equipped to excel in a changing world. The education, training and research sectors will be supported to shift up a gear to rise to the challenge.
Our Economic Recovery plan also commits to further strengthen Ireland’s Skills Framework and architecture to ensure people are supported to secure and remain in sustainable and quality employment through opportunities to reskill and upskill. This will include a comprehensive review of Ireland’s skills strategies and approaches, including the National Skills Strategy 2016-2025; developing a web-based “Skills Platform”, for upskilling and reskilling opportunities; and developing Ireland’s Pact for Skills, between businesses and government, to ensure those with low and no qualifications are not excluded from employment
Accelerating the provision of training, reskilling and upskilling opportunities and increased activation will be pursued through Pathways to Work 2021-2025. We will also work intensively with young people who are at greater risk of long-term unemployment. And as the recovery of the labour market progresses, an increasing focus will be placed on improving labour market participation levels.
The Government is committed to creating the right environment for a jobs-led recovery by helping business become more resilient and agile and supporting people to transition to new jobs in growing sectors of the economy.
35. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to upgrade the IT systems of his Department and of bodies under his remit with a view to maximising the protection against cyber-criminals. [29877/21]
View answerMy Department adopts a defence in depth approach to cyber security. This approach uses multiple layers and disparate systems to deliver security which is not dependent on any single component. Given the heightened level of risk which currently exists, my Department’s technical staff has adopted a posture of increased vigilance and oversight of systems.My Department is taking advice from its own external security advisers, and is also monitoring advice and guidance coming from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on any additional steps which should be implemented in the light of current risks. This advice is also being shared with the State agencies under the remit of my Department, who are evaluating this advice in the context of their own cyber security arrangements. On foot of the current increased threat levels from cyber criminals and the advice from the NCSC, my Department has implemented a number of additional controls, and has also reviewed existing controls to ensure that they are still being applied consistently.An independent review of my Department’s cyber security controls was carried out in 2019. The review was based on the ISO 27001 standard for good practice in an information security management system. Overall, the review found that the Department’s security posture was rated as good and above the standard which is usually seen in its sector. The review has also been used as the basis for an ongoing programme of further improvements to information security standards. Given the current threat levels and the significant resources which cyber criminals are prepared to use to hack into systems, it is important that we are not complacent in our approach to cyber security. Cyber security is an ongoing process in my Department, and we will continue to review the controls we have in place and implement new controls and protections where necessary and as new cyber defence technologies become available.For operational and security reasons, we are advised by the NCSC not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise cyber security measures in place in public bodies. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements.Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services, and my Department does not comment on operational security matters.
36. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will meet individually with representatives of organisations (details supplied) regarding the impact of Covid-19 and the public health restrictions on the pub and restaurant sector to discuss continuing supports from his Department. [30176/21]
View answerI meet with the Vintners Federation of Ireland, the Licensed Vintners Association and the Restaurants Association of Ireland on an ongoing basis through the Hospitality and Tourism Forum, which I jointly chair with Minister Catherine Martin. The forum met again yesterday to discuss the reopening of the economy and the Economic Recovery Plan.At each point of closing or re-opening of the economy due to COVID-19 I have met with a group of relevant stakeholders, including these three associations, to update them on latest Government developments and answer questions. Minister Donohoe, Minister Martin and I met with the LVI, the VFI, the Restaurants Association and the Irish Hotels Federation on 15 January. I am open to meeting with the associations individually if such a meeting is requested.
The Government announced a new Economic Recovery Plan this week, with €4 billion of stimulus to fuel the economy and help businesses to recover and rebuild. Across 2020 and 2021, €38 billion was provided to help weather the pandemic.
There will be a number of changes to the current financial supports as public health restrictions unwind.
- The Covid-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) will remain in place for businesses that have to stay closed. For businesses re-opening in June and July, you will receive a double payment for the first three weeks upon reopening up to a maximum of €30,000. This will help firms with cashflow and to restock and re-engage with staff.
- The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is being extended until the end of 2021. Some adjustments are being made to how it is calculated - it will now be based on your business’ earnings for a full 12-month period relative to 2019, rather than six months to ensure businesses and workers are supported through the earlier part of the recovery.
- The commercial rates waiver will continue in its current form during the third quarter of this year for those availing of it.
- The 9% VAT rate will be extended until the 1 September, 2022.
- Tax warehousing is being extended until the end of the year and will be interest free in 2022.
- The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be closed for new entrants from 1 July of this year and will be gradually phased out from 7 September, so that by early 2022 it will be back in line with the Jobseekers’ Allowance.
Further information on each of these changes on the gov.ie website.
- We will use €950m in EU Recovery grants to fund additional investment in higher and further education, skills, research, the digital transformation and climate action, like retrofitting homes and commuter rail. There will be a special fund of €85m to help enterprises decarbonise and €55m to help businesses to go digital. Details on this will be made available in the coming months.
- A new additional, more streamlined business support scheme, the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) will be introduced in September 2021 for businesses with very significantly reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions. This will be open to business with and without a rateable premises and will be administered by Revenue in a similar way to the CRSS. Businesses who previously availed of other schemes such as the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) and the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme for example, as well as CRSS will be eligible to apply provided they meet the qualifying criteria. Details on this scheme will be announced closer to the time, but the Government will continue to help those businesses that are particularly challenged through to the end of the year and beyond if needed.
We are committed to the economic recovery of the country and work is ongoing across Government to ensure the supports which will be in place are sufficient, targeted and sustainable. The National Recovery Plan charts the pathway forward for our country.
My colleague, Minister Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, may be able to provide more specific details on these supports for the hospitality sector, for which she has lead responsibility.
37. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions his Department plans to address the request of an organisation (details supplied) to allow the right to work to feed, house, clothe and educate themselves without fear of deportation in view of the extraordinary conditions imposed on them by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30033/21]
View answerPolicy responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students rests with my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 29 April 2021, if the IDA has to date appointed the business development consultant in Israel; the details of the checks and balances in place within his Department to ensure that the IDA's decision to establish a presence in Israel will not indirectly support or legitimise Israel’s policies of de facto annexation; the details of the monitoring that will be carried out by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30201/21]
View answerIDA Ireland issued a request for tender for a part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant on 26 April 2021. The Business Development Consultant will be expected to identify Israeli-headquartered target companies with potential for investing in Ireland, engage with senior decision-makers in these companies and present Ireland’s value proposition as an investment location.
I am advised that IDA Ireland has not yet awarded the Tender for a part-time consultant in Israel.
IDA Ireland is represented on the Implementation Group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights; this is a multi-stakeholder group, comprising government, business and civil society representatives. The recently published Guidance on Business and Human Rights for Business Enterprises was developed by the Implementation Group under the National Plan, and formally launched by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in April.
IDA Ireland has advised my Department that they will be guided by all aspects of this guidance when appointing a business development consultant in any territory.
Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed settlements, which are illegal under international law. The passing of the recent Dáil motion is a clear signal of the depth of feeling on this issue – both in respect of the escalation of violence and conflict we have seen in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel itself, and on the root causes of the situation.
Ireland’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including trade, and will continue to do so.
Ireland remains steadfast in its support for a comprehensive two state solution which protects the future of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
My officials have made the IDA aware of the details of the Motion and I can confirm the issue will be included as an item at upcoming governance meetings with the Agency.
As an Agency of my Department, I expect IDA Ireland to act in line with Government policy and the Agency has assured me that this is the case. IDA Ireland respects obligations under both Irish and International law.
39. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will meet individually with representatives of restaurants and pubs regarding the impact of Covid-19 and the public health restrictions on the pub and restaurant sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30163/21]
View answerI meet with the Vintners Federation of Ireland, the Licensed Vintners Association and the Restaurants Association of Ireland on an ongoing basis through the Hospitality and Tourism Forum, which I jointly chair with Minister Catherine Martin. The forum met again yesterday to discuss the reopening of the economy and the Economic Recovery Plan.At each point of closing or re-opening of the economy due to COVID-19 I have met with a group of relevant stakeholders, including these three associations, to update them on latest Government developments and answer questions. Minister Donohoe, Minister Martin and I met with the LVI, the VFI, the Restaurants Association and the Irish Hotels Federation on 15 January.
I am open to meeting with the associations individually if such a meeting is requested.
The Government announced a new Economic Recovery Plan this week, with €4 billion of stimulus to fuel the economy and help businesses to recover and rebuild. Across 2020 and 2021, €38 billion was provided to help weather the pandemic.
There will be a number of changes to the current financial supports as public health restrictions unwind.
- The Covid-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) will remain in place for businesses that have to stay closed. For businesses re-opening in June and July, you will receive a double payment for the first three weeks upon reopening up to a maximum of €30,000. This will help firms with cashflow and to restock and re-engage with staff.
- The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is being extended until the end of 2021. Some adjustments are being made to how it is calculated - it will now be based on your business’ earnings for a full 12-month period relative to 2019, rather than six months to ensure businesses and workers are supported through the earlier part of the recovery.
- The commercial rates waiver will continue in its current form during the third quarter of this year for those availing of it.
- The 9% VAT rate will be extended until the 1 September, 2022.
- Tax warehousing is being extended until the end of the year and will be interest free in 2022.
- The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be closed for new entrants from 1 July of this year and will be gradually phased out from 7 September, so that by early 2022 it will be back in line with the Jobseekers’ Allowance.
Further information on each of these changes on the gov.ie website.
- We will use €950m in EU Recovery grants to fund additional investment in higher and further education, skills, research, the digital transformation and climate action, like retrofitting homes and commuter rail. There will be a special fund of €85m to help enterprises decarbonise and €55m to help businesses to go digital. Details on this will be made available in the coming months.
- A new additional, more streamlined business support scheme, the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) will be introduced in September 2021 for businesses with very significantly reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions. This will be open to business with and without a rateable premises and will be administered by Revenue in a similar way to the CRSS. Businesses who previously availed of other schemes such as the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) and the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme for example, as well as CRSS will be eligible to apply provided they meet the qualifying criteria. Details on this scheme will be announced closer to the time, but the Government will continue to help those businesses that are particularly challenged through to the end of the year and beyond if needed.
We are committed to the economic recovery of the country and work is ongoing across Government to ensure the supports which will be in place are sufficient, targeted and sustainable. The National Recovery Plan charts the pathway forward for our country.
My colleague, Minister Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, may be able to provide more specific details on these supports for the hospitality sector, for which she has lead responsibility.
40. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of his plans to support the hospitality sector in advance of and following the reopening of the sector in early June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30026/21]
View answerThe financial support the Government is providing small businesses and workers affected by the pandemic is unprecedented. These supports include the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employment Wage Subsidy (EWSS). Support for business includes the weekly Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) of payment for businesses forced to close their doors to the public, the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), the lower Tourism VAT rate of 9% further extended to September 2022, a commercial rates waiver extended in its current form for another three months, the Sustaining Enterprise Fund, the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme as well as low-cost loans. Information on the wide range of supports can be found on my Department’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
Government is in no doubt how important the COVID supports such as the EWSS and CRSS have been to businesses and the role played by grant schemes such as the Restart Grants, SBASC and the various sectoral supports administered by relevant Departments.
The CRSS has provided vital support to businesses that have been forced to close or restrict access to their premises on foot of public health regulations. The CRSS has been extended until the end of 2021 and enhanced with a significantly higher restart payment – three weeks at double rate of payment (to a maximum of €30,000).
Further targeted supports have also been introduced including a new additional Business Resumption Support Scheme from September for businesses with significantly reduced turnover.
I am acutely aware of the difficulties SME's continue to face due to this pandemic and that is why I have expanded the SBASC scheme which will now take into account businesses who do not pay rates and also businesses that have a turnover below €50,000. Phase 2 of this scheme will be open for applications in early June, with a closing date of 21st July. Further details of the scheme including all eligibility criteria will shortly be available on my Department's website www.enterprise.gov.ie and on Local Authority websites.
We are committed to the economic recovery of the country and work is ongoing across Government to ensure the supports which will be in place are sufficient, targeted and sustainable. The National Recovery Plan will chart the pathway forward for our country.
My colleague, Minister Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, may be able to provide more specific details on these supports for the hospitality sector, for which she has lead responsibility.
