Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
103. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to include businesses that missed the deadlines for Covid-19 business supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43797/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government have provided a significant package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. Under the new Economic Recovery Plan, a stimulus to fuel the economy of €4 billion was announced, this is intended to aid businesses and the economy to recover and rebuild.
The Plan outlined changes to several of the current financial supports, the EWSS is extended until the end of 2021, the commercial rates waiver will continue until 30 September 2021, the 9% VAT rate was extended, tax debt warehousing scheme is extended until the end of the year and will be interest free in 2022 and the CRSS will remain in place for businesses that have to stay closed.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) which has paid out over €4.5 Billion and provided relief on over €720 Million in Employer PRSI payments will remain open to eligible businesses until at least the end of 2021.
Similarly, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) will remain in place for eligible businesses until the end of the year.
The Tax Debt Warehousing Scheme which has allowed over €2.6 Billion in taxes owing to the Exchequer to be warehoused will also remain in place until the end of the year, these debts will remain interest free until the end of 2022 before repayment plans will be agreed with the Revenue. In addition to this scheme, several other concessions have provided accelerated relief for losses which has resulted in eligible taxpayers (Corporate and personal) receiving advance tax refunds, these concessions remain in place and will assist with cashflow for affected entities.
The reduction in the reduced rate of VAT to 9% for hospitality and tourism related services and goods has been extended until August 2022.
For businesses that may have missed deadlines for COVID-19 supports, the new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) is available for businesses that were substantially impacted during the pandemic even during periods when restrictions were eased. This support is available to businesses that can demonstrate a significant reduction in trade. The scheme is administered by Revenue with eligible businesses making a claim for an Advance Credit for Trading Expense (ACTE). The BRSS is now open for registration on the Revenue Online Service (ROS). I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what supports are available to them.
I remain committed to working with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses and to address suitable enterprise measures in the context of the challenges presented by COVID-19 to our economy and our people.
I would encourage businesses to contact their Local Enterprise Offices to identify advice on any other assistance that may be available,
