Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
85. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal that have applied to the small business assistance scheme; the number of same that have received funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43806/21]
View answerThe Government recognises the sacrifices business owners, employees and their families have made over the past 18 months in order to protect their community from COVID-19. As you are aware, the Government put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. The Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid-19 (SBASC), which is administered by the 31 local authorities in every county is in addition to the Government's range of advisory and funding initiatives for business including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
While these range of measures supported thousands of businesses, we were aware that a small number of businesses needed additional assistance and I pleased that SBASC provided additional help for those that needed it. The total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Sligo is 72 and 67 have been approved for payment. The total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Leitrim is 57, with 23 approved for funding. In relation to County Donegal, the total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications is 288, with 163 approved for funding.
There are a number of reasons why some applicants were not approved for funding by their local authority including businesses not meeting the criteria for reduction in turnover, incomplete application forms or the businesses being in receipt of CRSS or another sectoral scheme.
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is now closed and eligible business can now apply for the Government's new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS).
My colleague, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD on 6th September last announced the launch of the BRSS as a new support scheme for businesses with reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions, with a maximum payment of €15,000. The BRSS is a general scheme and is open to any businesses whose turnover remains impacted as a result of public health restrictions. Businesses who previously availed of other schemes such and SBASC, the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme and CRSS will be eligible to apply provided they meet the qualifying criteria.
Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes are available on my Department’s website at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/ .
I would also encourage business owners in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal to talk to their Local Enterprises Offices who offer advice and guidance in relation to the supports available to businesses.
