Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
93. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if training and financial supports available to businesses setting up online can be increased to meet the support needs arising from the growth of e-commerce due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43847/21]
View answerMy Department recognises the importance of developing the e-commerce capability and digitalisation of our indigenous enterprises and this need was brought into sharp focus during the restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agencies under the remit of my Department have developed digitalisation programmes to assist businesses to not only commence trading online but also encourage those already trading online to further develop their e-commerce capability.
The Online Retail Scheme was used in response to the Covid-19 crisis and the continuing urgent need for retail companies to achieve a step change in online capability. The purpose of this fund is to enable Irish-owned retailers to enhance their digital capability and to develop a more competitive online offer that will enable an increase in their customer base and build a more resilient business in the domestic and global marketplace, both online and offline.
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme, administered by the Local Enterprise Offices on behalf of my Department, offers a voucher of up to €2,500 (50% co- funded by the applicant) to help businesses develop their online trading capability and includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the opportunity to apply for a second voucher was introduced. When this scheme transferred into my department in January this year, a decision was made to retain this provision as it was identified as a key tool in assisting Micro-Enterprises in further developing their E-commerce capability.
Furthermore, my Department, in conjunction with their colleagues in the Local Enterprise Office Centre of Excellence in Shannon, have commenced a process of evaluation of this scheme. The aim of this evaluation to determine, among other things, the impact of the scheme pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, how it might look in the future and what level of funding is required to deliver the scheme going forward. This process is ongoing, and will help inform any future policy considerations arising therefrom.
