Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2021
114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department have already assisted the manufacturing and services sectors throughout the economy with particular reference to areas affected by Covid-19 restrictions; the extent to which it is recognised that further assistance in various guises may be appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60780/21]
View answerThe Government has worked to support manufacturing and services businesses through these challenging times with a wide range of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, business continuity and trading online grants, COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, commercial rates waivers and warehousing of tax liabilities. Details of the supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
On 3rd December the Government agreed some additional public health measures to help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 including extra economic supports approved for sectors impacted by public health measures.
We recognise that these decisions, coming in addition to those of 16th November, will have a particular impact on sectors such as hospitality, the night time economy, and the arts and entertainment sectors.
In addition to existing economy-wide schemes, including the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), it is intended that the Minister for Finance will introduce an adjusted version of the CRSS for businesses impacted by the new restrictions. Confirmation of the details is due shortly.
There will be a further extension of the current targeted commercial rates waiver for the first quarter of 2022. This will be put in place at an additional cost of approximately €62.3 million.
The Government has also agreed to a limited reopening of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for workers who are temporarily laid off due to the impact of these public health restrictions. There will be a number of refinements to the scheme design to target it more effectively. Further details will be made available by the Department of Social Protection.
I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what is available to them and apply for the appropriate schemes. We are committed to keeping all businesses advisory and financial assistance schemes under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most.
