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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 527-551

Brexit Data

Ceisteanna (528)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

528. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the projected cost to trade in the event of a failure to agree a trade agreement between the European Union and the UK; the projected cost by sector; if she will provide a comparison of the projected cost of no trade agreement compared to an agreement with no tariffs and quotas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6722/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is the case that Brexit, in whatever shape it finally takes, will have significant implications for the Irish economy and will fundamentally change the nature of the trading relationship for Irish businesses trading with the UK.

In order to better understand the economic impacts of Brexit, my Department has conducted extensive research on a wide range of Brexit related issues affecting Irish businesses since the result of the UK referendum in 2016.

Of particular interest to the Deputy is a 2018 study entitled "Strategic Implications for Ireland arising from changing EU-UK trading relations" a comprehensive and independent expert study that my Department commissioned from Copenhagen Economics. The study examined the implications of Brexit for the Irish economy and trade, quantifying the impact of possible new barriers to trade which might emerge as a result of Brexit.

The study also provided analysis of the likely impact of Brexit on key sectors of the Irish economy. Five sectors were identified that account for 90% of the impact and these are: Agri-food, Pharma-chemicals, Electrical Machinery, Wholesale & Retail, and Air Transport. The rise of non-tariff barriers due to regulatory divergence is the main factor driving the results as opposed to the imposition of the tariff regimes of the EU and the UK on their respective imports/goods.

This analysis was undertaken on the basis of no policy action being taken although this of course is not the case given the extensive Brexit mitigation actions put in place across Government and across all sectors of the economy in the past few years. 

All of the scenarios examined in the 2018 study produce a result that is less favourable than a non-Brexit scenario. The scenarios considered reflected four of the possible outcomes from the future relationship between the EU and the UK – an EEA scenario, a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a Customs Union, or a worst-case, no trade deal, WTO scenario.

The WTO scenario was found to have the most negative impact on the Irish economy gradually reducing GDP growth by 7% by 2030; an EEA scenario would be least damaging gradually reducing GDP growth by 2.8% by 2030. The study found that regardless of the scenario modelled, the Irish economy was still expected to record strong, positive growth out to 2030. Brexit would have a dampening impact, however, resulting in a lower growth rate than would otherwise have occurred.

Following the adoption of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Revised Political Declaration (RPD) on the Future Relationship between the EU and the UK last year, my Department undertook further Brexit analysis with Copenhagen Economics. Under this latest study, two additional scenarios for a Free Trade Agreement were examined to take account of the provisions of the RPD published in January 2020. This latest study is also available on my Department’s website at www.dbei.gov.ie. 

Overall, the findings from this study suggest that a Brexit outcome based on the RPD is likely to reduce Irish GDP by between 3.2% and 3.9% by 2030 compared with a baseline where the UK remains a member of the EU. This compares to a negative impact of 7% in the no deal (WTO basis) modelled in the previous Copenhagen Economics study.

In response to the various Brexit analysis and studies undertaken across Government I have, over the course of the last three budgets put in place through the enterprise agencies, an extensive suite of enterprise supports to assist businesses to meet the challenges presented by Brexit. They range from liquidity support through short-term and long-term loans, to restructuring aid for businesses in severe operating difficulties. The majority of enterprise supports are open to all businesses, including SMEs, and not just those that are clients of the enterprise agencies.   

Of course most recently businesses have been beset by the huge challenges that COVID-19 has brought about. Government has responded swiftly by making available a myriad of supports to help businesses deal with the crisis presented by this pandemic.

As we begin the phased reopening of the economy this week in line with the Government's COVID-19 recovery plan, I am acutely aware too that businesses must not lose sight of the Brexit-related challenges that remain. This is particularly highlighted by the challenging negotiations that are currently ongoing between the EU and the UK to reach an agreement on the future trading relationship, and the ever-present danger of a no trade deal scenario.

As our economy recovers post the Covid-19 pandemic, I encourage businesses more than ever to avail of the Government supports that are widely available. Full details are available on my Department’s website at www.dbei.gov.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (529)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

529. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when dog grooming can resume under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7059/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday 18 May. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can re -open under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website GOV.ie.

Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html . The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

On 8 May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country, I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to flex the plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (530)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

530. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has engaged the use of external consultants from 1 January 2020 to date; the details and costs of such engagements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5523/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department considers hiring external consultants in cases where there is not the necessary expertise to deliver the project in-house, in cases where an external assessment is deemed essential, or in cases where a project must be completed within a short time scale, and although the expertise or experience may be available in-house, performing the task would involve a prohibitive opportunity cost.

My Department complies with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's guidelines for engagements of consultants by the civil service, having regard to public procurement guidelines.

The following table outlines the details of projects for which external consultants have been engaged by my Department since 1 January 2020.

Consultant Engaged Since 1st January 2020

Project Title

Value of Contract

Implement Consulting Group

Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment for Ireland of the EU-Mercosur Agreement

€199,500, plus VAT

M.CO

Consultancy Services for the Scoping of Options for a National Design Centre for Digital, Project and Strategic Design

€64,350 plus VAT

Behaviour & Attitudes

Telephone and online survey of Business Capability and Capacity to Implement Covid-19 Prevention Measures

€24,000 (estimate)

Ward

Security report for ECP2 - TMEfilng

€8,986

Ward

Security report for ECP2 – Eservices

€9,570

Crowe Ireland

An Analysis of the Collaborative Economy in Ireland from an Enterprise Perspective

€74,970 + VAT

Sadhbh McGrath

Legal Research Services for Consumer Rights Bill

€2,240

EY

Safeguarding of Audit Capacity

€40,000

Coyne Research

Customer Survey

€7,749

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (531)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

531. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has considered allowing phased opening of shopping centres with a small number of outlets opening gradually, beginning with the smaller shops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5580/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business has been published by Government and is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e5e599-government-publishes-roadmap-to-ease-covid-19-restrictions-and-reope/

The Roadmap, phase one of which commenced on the 18th May, sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.

It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures.  Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures.  It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate.

The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html

The HSA will be the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.  If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

Farmers Markets

Ceisteanna (532)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

532. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration will be given to the reopening farmers’ markets to be permitted by implementing specific measures outlined (details supplied). [5581/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.  It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

As the Deputy will be aware, on 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday 18 May. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can re-open under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.

The Roadmap provides that shops that are mainly outdoors can reopen in Phase 1 so long as social distancing measures can be put in place.  Farmers markets’ are among the examples of outdoor shops in the Roadmap.   

I can assure the Deputy that this Government is doing everything in its power to get businesses ready to reopen and trade again, to get people back to work and to get the economy re-started as the restrictions are gradually lifted.

It is clear that the restrictions are having a very positive effect in combating the spread of COVID-19.  However, extreme vigilance will be required until a vaccine, effective treatment or prophylaxis is found, and that might be some time away.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (533)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

533. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will reconsider the proposed opening date for cinemas on 14 August 2020 and implement a more gradual, controlled return to business for cinemas in order to facilitate the backlog of movies included in the international film release schedule; if she will consider the health and safety implications of a sudden reopening of cinemas causing a more challenging environment for cinema management in addition to difficulties in enforcing social distancing; if she has considered the framework for reopening cinemas document from cinema providers (details supplied) outlining the procedural changes for social distancing in foyers and auditoriums; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5621/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.  It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday 18 May. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.

 Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures.  Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures.  It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate.

The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html

The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.  If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

I have convened numerous meetings of the Enterprise and Retail forums, which I chair, and met other representatives of employers and employees and the response back has been very positive. I will continue to maintain that dialogue with stakeholders and examine any proposals submitted, such as the one referred to, so that we can work towards getting people back to work safely.

 In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

On 8 May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so.  My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amend its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. The Roadmap will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.

Commercial Property

Ceisteanna (534)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

534. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to undertake an initiative to address the issues regarding commercial rents in the context of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5631/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issues businesses are facing in respect of commercial rents / leases have been raised with me through the Enterprise Forum and Retail Forum, both of which I chair, and other channels.

These are difficult times and many companies have had to temporarily close their businesses and/or premise(s), curtail their activities or make alternative work arrangements due to COVID-19 restrictions. I am keenly aware that some businesses, particularly in the retail sector, are concerned that some landlords are continuing to insist on the payment of rents and leases as normal despite their premises being closed.

At the same time, we must remember that landlords have their own financial obligations, like debt repayments, insurance or security costs, that still need to be paid. Where a landlord has debt in place, their flexibility will likely be driven by what their bank/lender will accept. The Minister for Finance raised the broader issue of rents in meetings with the pillar banks. He referenced this in his announcement of 18 March concerning an arrangement with the banks to the effect that any landlord who has agreed a deal with the banks on foot of the arrangement will be expected to pass the benefit on to their tenants. I reiterated this in the Dáil on 30 April last.

While commercial leases are primarily a contractual matter for the tenant and the landlord, the Government has urged landlords to demonstrate forbearance in these extraordinary times and to play their part, as everyone must, in helping the country through this difficult period. I would encourage tenants and landlords to engage with each other on this matter and come to some arrangement as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed.

I have asked my officials to raise the matter of commercial rents and leases across a number of Government Departments. An initial inter-departmental discussion has already taken place and I understand further engagement is underway with a range of stakeholders, including groups representing businesses and landlords, to gain additional insights and gather intelligence to inform any further discussions. I have also asked my officials to look into the different responses from other countries and to identify possible options for supports.

While different options are being explored, I would point out that any support to business in respect of rents alone would ultimately end up as a support to the landlord. Not only would it be difficult to estimate the costs involved for such a scheme, but the offering of support, or even the perception that such supports will be forthcoming, may affect the market and lessen the impetus for landlords to renegotiate with tenants.

The matter of legal protections for businesses who are unable to pay their commercial rents has been raised with the Attorney General. Specifically, I asked about the potential for legislation to prevent the eviction of commercial tenants who have failed to pay rent as a result of the pandemic and the possibility of legislating to place a moratorium on businesses having to pay rent for premises they cannot used due to the restrictions imposed by Government. I have just received a response in which the Attorney General advises that there are significant legal difficulties in respect to both of the questions posed. The difficulties stem from a variety of legal bases including statutory, constitutional, contract and common law. I have asked my officials to consider the advice.

The Government is committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible survive this challenging period, and it will continue to look at how we can support businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. I would like to point out that, on 2 May, the Government announced an additional suite of measures to further support small, medium and larger business that have been negatively impacted by Covid-19. These included:

- A €10,000 restart grant for micro and small businesses based on a rates waiver/rebate from 2019;

- A three-month commercial rates waiver for impacted businesses;

- A €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to support lending to SMEs for terms ranging from 3 months to 6 years, which will be below market interest rates;

- A €2 billion Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund within the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), which will make capital available to medium and large enterprises on commercial terms; and

- The ‘warehousing’ of tax liabilities for a period of twelve months after recommencement of trading during which time there will be no debt enforcement action taken by Revenue and no interest charge accruing in respect of the warehoused debt.

These supports acknowledge that impacted businesses need time and space to restructure and resume activity, without the added pressures of trying to repay legacy debts, such as commercial rents, when revenues are just beginning to return.

Further information on all of these and additional Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses can be found at www.gov.ie or on my Department’s website (https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/ ).

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (535)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

535. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will amend the Covid-19 retail online scheme to offer more support to those that do not have a pre-existing online presence; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that just 69% of small and medium-sized enterprises here have a website and that only 32% of these online companies sell products or services online; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5638/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Chair of the Retail Consultation Forum, I am acutely aware that Covid-19 has brought particular challenges for retailers - large and small, across the country.

Trading online is a very important route for retail businesses to grow and improve their business in the current crisis, and will be an important element in their recovery over the longer term. In April of this year I increased support for two online trading initiatives to a total of €7.6m – the first for micro enterprises in partnership with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton TD, and the second for retailers with 10 or more employees.

Firstly, in conjunction with Minister Bruton's Department of Climate Action and the Environment, I have increased support for the Trading Online Voucher Scheme which is available to all micro enterprises with less than 10 employees, including those in the retail sector through the Local Enterprise Office network nationwide. The €2,500 Trading Online Vouchers are a key government grant to help small and micro enterprises, with very limited or no e-commerce presence, to get online, boost their sales and reach new markets – particularly during this difficult period, when so many small businesses are closed to the public. However, the value of the Trading Online Voucher will stand to businesses for years to come, boosting revenue, and helping sustain and create jobs into the future.

The Voucher can be used towards adding payment facilities or booking systems to websites or developing new apps for customers, with co-funding from the business currently set at just 10 percent. The Voucher can also be used towards subscriptions to low-cost online retail platform solutions to help companies quickly establish a retailing presence online. Training and further business supports are also provided along with the Scheme.

Flexibilities to the Trading Online Voucher scheme  are now in place allowing businesses apply for a second voucher where they have successfully utilised their first one, which brings the overall total voucher amount available up to €5,000 for each eligible business. 

To qualify for the scheme, businesses must have:

- limited or no e-commerce presence

- no more than 10 employees;

- less than €2m in turnover;

- be trading for at least 6 months and

- be located in the region of the local enterprise office to whom they are applying (additional T&Cs apply)

Further details about the expanding Trading Online Voucher Scheme are available at https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Trading-Online-Voucher-Scheme-/

The Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme is complementary to the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Trading Online Voucher Scheme. The objective of the Scheme, administered by Enterprise Ireland, is to support companies in the indigenous retail sector which have started an online journey, which will have the most immediate impact enabling them to respond to both the domestic and international consumer demand with a competitive online offer. 

My Department proposed this Scheme in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the urgent need for retail companies to achieve a step change in online capability. Applicant companies must employ 10 or more people, have an existing online presence (e.g. website or social media), and have a retail outlet through which they derive the majority of their revenue. Successful applicants will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project costs. Grants ranging from €10,000 to €40,000 will be awarded under the competitive scheme.

This Scheme is not about taking the first steps; it is about raising the bar, in an informed, planned and strategic way.  The total fund size will be up to €2 million under this call. Further details on this Scheme available at https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/online-retail/online-retail-scheme/online-retail-scheme.html

I am committed to supporting the needs of the retail sector in developing their online capability and enhancing their competitiveness.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (536)

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

536. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a company (details supplied) is permitted to open on 18 May 2020. [5639/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.  It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday 18 May. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can re-open under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.

Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures.  Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures.  It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. 

The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html

The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.  If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

 In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

On 8 May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so.  My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

 A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amend itsplans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (537)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

537. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5653/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.  It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday 18 May. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can re-open under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.

Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures.  Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures.  It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. 

The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html

The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.  If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

 In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

On 8 May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so.  My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amend its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (538)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

538. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5655/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government recognises that the COVID-19 emergency has had an unprecedented impact on our economy, as well as society.  It is acknowledged that as the reopening of the economy begins, in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and based on public health advice, businesses will require additional supports on top of the existing measures such as income support schemes and enhanced liquidity supports. 

Consequently, on 2 May the Government agreed a package of measures, with a value of over €6bn, to further support small, medium and larger business that are negatively impacted by COVID-19.  The package aims to help our businesses to restart, reconnect and rehire staff.  It includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.  Full details of the package are available at www.gov.ie.

The specific questions raised in the correspondence you reference cover a range of issues, some of which are outside the remit of my Department.  A response will issue from my Department in respect of matters within my remit and the correspondence will be forward to other relevant Government Departments for their consideration. 

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (539)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

539. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a reply will issue to a query by a person (details supplied). [5656/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A major part of my Department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been to expand the range of financial supports to ensure businesses have sufficient liquidity to see them through the crisis and to prepare for the announced reopening phases.  My Department and I continue to monitor the needs of companies as the situation evolves and provide new supports where required and appropriate to do so. 

Included in the now €7.5 billion of liquidity supports which I announced over the past few weeks, is a Sustaining Enterprise Fund for Small Enterprises which is being administered by Enterprise Ireland. This fund for smaller businesses provides €25,000 and €50,000 in repayable advances, depending on size and turnover of company. This fund will provide liquidity to enable these enterprises to steer a pathway towards recovery and to introduce measures in response to the controls and health and safety requirements in line with changing work patterns and protocols and guidelines being introduced as we begin the re-opening of the economy.

On 15 May last, the Government also agreed the arrangements for the new €250m “Restart Grant” for micro enterprises and small businesses.  The "Restart Grant" is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. It will be a critically important tool to support small businesses to reopen their doors and get back on their feet. This grant will enable small and micro business reconnect with their employees and customer base by helping to defray ongoing fixed costs and the costs, such as PPE, associated with re-launching the business.

The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.  Applications for the "Restart Grant" can be made online to all local authorities from Friday 22 May.

In addition to the extensive package of liquidity measures announced, the full range of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and Údarás na Gaeltachta grant and advisory supports continue to be available to eligible firms to help with strategies to access finance, commence or ramp-up online trading activity, reconfigure business models, cut costs, innovate, diversify markets and supply chains and to improve competitiveness. 

In line with its statutory responsibility to enforce specific consumer protection legislative provisions, officers from the CCPC have been monitoring pricing compliance in both online and on-premises retail markets within three areas:

1. Trader obligations under S.I. No. 639 of 2002, European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations.

2. Trader obligations under S.I. No. 484 of 2013 European Union (Consumer Information, Cancellation and Other Rights) Regulations.

3. Trader obligations under The Consumer Protection Act 2007.

The provisions outlined above are primarily concerned with ensuring that products are properly priced in accordance with the regulations and that consumers are not being misled by being charged more for a product than the advertised price.

In the course of our monitoring activities we have conducted 110 store visits and 730 spot price checks on a range of consumer products. Our information to date would indicate that compliance levels with the obligations referred to above are currently not a cause for concern. Monitoring activities in that respect will continue.

With respect to emerging trends, the number of contacts received by the CCPC from the general public relating to concerns about price increases and product availability have been very low.

I can assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19.  In that regard, Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework.

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (540)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

540. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the list of ineligible occupations for work permits will be reviewed in view of Covid-19 and the urgent need for more healthcare professionals, including healthcare assistants, senior care workers and home carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5662/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is intended to act as a conduit for key skills which are required to develop enterprise in the State for the benefit of our economy, while simultaneously protecting the balance of the labour market.  The system is, by design, vacancy led and driven by the changing needs of the labour market, expanding and contracting in tandem with its inherent fluctuations.

The Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists are subject to twice-yearly review which is predicated on a formalised and evidence-based process and involves consideration of the research undertaken by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (Solas), the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the National Skills Council, and input by relevant Government Departments in addition to the public consultation phase.  Submissions to the review process are also considered by the Economic Migration Policy Interdepartmental Group chaired by this Department and which includes the Department of Health. A review of the lists is currently underway and is expected to be finalised before the end of June 2020.

The Employment Permits system has an important role in ensuring that key medical staff are available for our health services at this critical juncture as the country tackles this emerging situation. As a result, my Department has been prioritising the processing of employment permit applications for medical personnel and these applications continue to be prioritised. I have also facilitated the access of diploma qualified nurses and radiographers to Critical Skills Employment Permits and made improvements in the assignment of work permits to doctors on rotation.

Since mid-March 1,404 employment permits have been granted to medical personnel, comprising 745 permits for Nurses, 642 permits for Doctors and 17 permits for Radiographers. Some occupations such as Healthcare Assistants are currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and, following the completion of the most recent review in December 2019, were not proposed for amendment at that time.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis and following the submission of a new business case from Nursing Home representatives regarding the removal of healthcare assistants from the ineligible occupation list, discussions have commenced  between officials of my Department and the Department of Health.

I also understand that the Department of Health and HSE are engaging with the private and voluntary nursing homes sector, in the context of addressing the COVID 19 emergency. In addition, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has rolled out a scheme to increase national take up of newly emerging employment opportunities. In light of this, I am advised that it was agreed that a change to the employment permits lists in this regard would not be pursued at this time but may however be revisited at a later date. 

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (541)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

541. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5667/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.  It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday 18 May. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can re-open under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.

Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures.  Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures.  It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate.

The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html

The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.  If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

On 8 May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country, I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so.  My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to flex the plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (542)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

542. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of firms that have applied for each enterprise support measure and-or scheme since 1 March 2020 in response to Covid-19 provided by her Department and each State agency under her remit; the number of firms that have received assistance to date; the value of supports that have been granted; the breakdown by SMEs by size, that is, less than ten, 11 to 49, 50 to 249 and greater than 250 employees, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5669/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Covid-19 has brought unprecedented challenges for all of us in society, since the start of the pandemic, a key focus of Government has been to keep the supports provided for enterprise under review and to continue to support enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them. 

I announced on April 8 a major expansion of supports for all businesses impacted by Covid-19. The package is now worth €1 billion in liquidity measures including a new €180m Sustaining Enterprise Fund.

In addition to the new package of liquidity measures I announced, which are detailed below, the full range of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and Údarás na Gaeltachta grant and advisory supports continue to be available to eligible firms to help with strategies to access finance, commence or ramp-up online trading activity, reconfigure business models, cut costs, innovate, diversify markets and supply chains and to improve competitiveness.

For Enterprise Ireland

- Sustaining Enterprise Fund: This €180 million fund will provide support to eligible manufacturing and internationally traded services companies employing 10 or more employees who have been impacted by a 15 per cent or more reduction in actual or projected turnover or profit, and/or have a significant increase in costs as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The objectives of the scheme are to ensure eligible companies have access to the necessary liquidity and sustain business so that companies can return to viability and contribute to the recovery of the Irish economy.

The Fund will provide financial assistance in the form of repayable advances of up to a maximum of €800,000 per company.

- This fund will provide a €25k to €50k short term working capital injection to eligible smaller companies to support business continuity and strengthen their ability to return to growth and be trading strongly in three year’s time.

- New HPSU fund to Sustain Enterprises: This fund is aimed at EI High Potential Start-Up companies who, due to the Covid-19 pandemic are facing delays to projected sales growth and whose fundraising plans are significantly impacted or stalled. Under this fund, HPSUs can apply for co-investment of €50,000 per undertaking in the form of equity or convertible debt instruments.

In addition to this fund Enterprise Ireland has launched the following supports:

- Covid-19 Business Financial Planning Grant: A €5k grant for eligible companies to work with third party consultants to prepare a detailed financial plan with forecasts and assumptions.

- Lean Business Continuity Voucher: A €2.5k voucher for eligible companies to access training or advisory services support related to the continued operation of their business during the current pandemic.

- Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme is a grant for retail companies with greater than 10 employees to develop a more competitive online offer.  This competitive call has a budget of €2 million. Successful applicants will receive funding support of up to 80% of project costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000.

In addition to these new supports, there are a range of other supports available to companies to assist eligible companies respond to Covid-19; these are:

- Strategic Consultancy Grant

- Act On supports

- Key Manager Grant

- Business Process Improvement Grant

- eiLearn Online Learning Platform

- EI Virtual Mentoring Support

In addition to the Covid-19 supports, Enterprise Ireland has a range of supports to assist companies to start, scale, innovate, remain competitive and diversify into new markets.

For SMEs:

The €200m SBCI COVID-19 Working Capital Loan Scheme will increase by €250m to €450m. The Scheme is providing essential liquidity support to businesses with over 1,400 applications received by the SBCI so far. Loans can be between €25,000 and €1.5m at a maximum interest rate of 4%. Loan terms range from one year to three years and loans can be unsecured up to €500,000. Interest-only repayments may be available at the start of the loans.

I am supporting the provision of significant additional COVID-19 funding through the SBCI Future Growth Loan Scheme, which will be released in tranches, to provide longer-term loans to COVID-19 impacted businesses. Loan amounts will range €100,000 to a maximum of €3,000,000 per applicant. Loan terms range from 8 to 10 years and loans of up to €500,000 can be unsecured. Interest-only repayments may be available at the start of the loans. The maximum interest rate will be 4.5%.

New €2,500 Business Continuity Voucher:

This Voucher is available through Local Enterprise Offices and is designed for businesses across every sector that employ up to 50 people. It can be used by companies to develop short-term and long-term strategies to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. These measures are in addition to the €150m of funding capacity in the Government’s Credit Guarantee Scheme.

Microenterprises (under 10 employees) and businesses with over 10 employees:

I am providing Microfinance Ireland (MFI), which is administering special COVID-19 Loans, with an additional €13m in capital support bringing its total lending capacity up to €20m for the coming period. There is also a substantial reduction in interest rates on these loans from 7.8% to 4.5%. Loans can be made up to €50,000 with no repayments required and no interest charged in the first six months.

The €2,500 Trading Online Voucher Scheme for microenterprises is being expanded - an additional €3.3m is being provided to the scheme bringing the total available to €5.6m. The scheme is also being made more flexible - allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher of up to €2,500 where they have successfully utilised their first one; and allowing subscriptions to low-cost online retailing platform solutions to quickly establish a retailing presence online.

InterTradeIreland

ITI has launched two new business supports, these are currently being targeted at companies who are already on one of their programmes.

E-merge: this will enable companies to engage consultancy support & advice (to the value of £2500/€2800) to help them develop online sales & ecommerce solutions

Emergency Business Solutions: Fully funded consultancy support & advice (to the value of £2000/€2250) to address key business challenges in areas such as emergency cashflow, loan applications and HR/People.

On Saturday 2 May, I also announced a further suite of measures to support small, medium and larger business that are negatively impacted by Covid-19 with Minister Paschal Donohoe, T.D., Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister Eoghan Murphy, T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. This package of support followed the publication of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, which sets out a five-stage plan to ease the Covid-19 restrictions and reopen Ireland’s economy and society. The new measures we announced included:

- A €10,000 restart grant for micro and small businesses based on a rates/waiver rebate from 2019;

- A three-month commercial rates waiver for impacted businesses;

- A €2 billion Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund within the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), which will make capital available to medium and large enterprises on commercial terms;

- A €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to support lending to SMEs for terms ranging from 3 months to 6 years, which will be below market interest rates;

- The ‘warehousing’ of tax liabilities for a period of twelve months after recommencement of trading during which time there will be no debt enforcement action taken by Revenue and no interest charge accruing in respect of the warehoused debt; and,

- A commitment to local authorities to make up the rates shortfall, so that local authorities can continue to provide full services to the public.  

As the Deputy is aware I also announced details of the new €250 million Restart Grant for businesses on 15th May last. Eligible businesses can apply for a grant of a minimum of €2,000 and maximum of €10,000 and the scheme will be open for applications through local authorities from 22nd May.

The Government continues to explore funding potential at EU level, as necessary, for all enterprises including micro-enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, through all potential funding mechanisms such as the European Regional Development Fund and through the mechanism of the EU’s state aid framework. The Government remained poised to react swiftly to the developing landscape for enterprises and will continue to keep the supports provided for enterprise under review.

Table 1: Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme uptake by business size:

Number of Employees 

 Number of Loans 

 Value of Loans

Less than 10

77

€7,176,000

11 - 50

46

€8,384,000

51-250

10

€5,700,000

Total 

133

€21,260,000

Table 1 provides details of the first €21.26m of loans progressed to sanction under this scheme, sorted by the size of the applicant businesses.

Table 2: Future Growth Loan Scheme uptake by business size:

Number of Employees 

 Number of Loans 

 Value of Loans

Less than 10

720

€116,243,376

11 - 49

271

€79,859,660

50-249*

52

€25,840,500

 Total

1043

€221,943,536

Table 2 provides details of the first €222m of loans progressed to sanction under this scheme, sorted by the size of the applicant businesses.

*Please note that the number of businesses of more than 250 employees that have benefitted from the scheme is small and these have been included in the category of businesses with 50-249 employees to avoid any potential confidentiality issues.

Note: The employment data in the table above for EI supports is based on the Annual Employment Survey 2019. Please note the companies with no employment classifications were not included in the AES survey. The figures above represent the figures at plant level and is not an indication of their company SME/Large status.

Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland

Ceisteanna (543)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

543. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have applied to the SBCI Covid-19 working capital loan and future growth loan schemes; the number of firms that have received assistance to date; the number of applications approved to date; the amount loaned; the breakdown by SMEs by size, that is, less than ten, 11 to 49, 50 to 249 and greater than 250 employees, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5670/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme was announced on 11 March and opened for eligibility applications on 23 March. The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is offered by my Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility. The scheme is operated by the SBCI.

It currently makes available a fund of up to €200 m to eligible businesses that have been negatively affected by impacts arising from the outbreak of Covid-19 to enable those businesses to innovate, change or adapt in response to the current business environment. Following my further announcement on April 8 this Scheme is now being expanded to make available an additional €250 million in lending, which will bring the total amount of lending available under this scheme to €450 million.

The scheme features a two-stage application process. Businesses must first confirm their eligibility with the SBCI. Successful applicants will be issued an eligibility reference number, which they can then use to apply for a loan with one of the participating finance providers. Approval of loans is subject to the finance providers’ own credit policies and procedures.

Up to 10 May, there has been a total of 2,118 applications received to the COVID-19 WCS, of which 2,017 candidates were eligible, 13 ineligible and 88 applications are currently in process. To date, 189 loans have progressed to sanction to a total value of €33.03m.

Table 1 provides details of the first €21.26m of loans progressed to sanction under this scheme, sorted by the size of the applicant businesses.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme makes up to €300 million of loans available with a term of 8-10 years and is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) though participating lenders. We have seen strong demand for the scheme since its launch in April 2019 across all sectors and regions including in exporting businesses and family businesses.

Up to 10 May, there has been a total of 3,502 applications for eligibility under the scheme, of which 3,327 have been approved for eligibility under the scheme. To date, 1045 loans have progressed to sanction to a total value of €222.78m.

The initial €300m funding for the FGLS has been almost fully subscribed, supporting a significant level of strategic investment by businesses. On 8 April, I announced a further expansion of this scheme and my Department is now working through the details of a significant expansion to bring this funding to market as soon as possible.

Table 2 provides details of the first €222m of loans progressed to sanction under this scheme, sorted by the size of the applicant businesses.  

Table 1: Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme uptake by business size:

Number of Employees 

Number of Loans 

Value of Loans

1-10

77

€7,176,000

11 - 50

46

€8,384,000

51 - 250

10

€5,700,000

Total 

133

€21,260,000

Table 2: Future Growth Loan Scheme uptake by business size:

Number of Employees 

Number of Loans 

Value of Loan1-10

1 - 9

720

€116,243,376

10 - 49

271

€79,859,660

50 - 249*

52

€25,840,500

Total

1043

€221,943,536

*Please note that the number of businesses of more than 250 employees that have benefitted from the scheme is small and these have been included in the category of businesses with 50-249 employees to avoid any potential confidentiality issues.

Microfinance Loan Fund Scheme

Ceisteanna (544)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

544. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have availed of the Microfinance Ireland loan scheme since the 19 March 2020 Covid-19 announcement; the number of applications accepted and rejected, respectively; and the value of approved applications. [5671/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Covid-19 Loan, available from Microfinance Ireland (MFI), was introduced as a support to microenterprises to help them access funding arising from the Covid-19 crisis.  

These loans are available for eligible microenterprises responding to Covid-19-related difficulties, the negative impact of which must be a minimum of 15% of actual or projected income or profit.  Loans up to €50,000 are available with terms that include a six months interest free and repayment free moratorium, with the loan to then be repaid over the remaining 30 months of the 36-month loan period. 

MFI provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to business that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders.  It lends to business that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial lenders and applies interest rate charges for its lending which are not reflective of its credit risk. 

Standard loans from Microfinance Ireland have interest rates of between 6.8% and 7.8%. Given the cost burden to businesses even with these subsidised rates of interest I decided to apply a substantial reduction in the interest rate to 4.5% on the Covid-19 loans provided by MFI.  This reduced rate is available to all micro-enterprises where the application is made through the Local Enterprise Network or referred by a bank or Local Development Committees. The new rate for direct applications to MFI is reduced to 5.5%.

As these loans are available interest free for the first six months, the net effect is to further reduce the net interest rate payable over the period of the loan.

The types of businesses normally supported, if they could obtain unsecured bank funding, would normally attract a significantly higher rate of interest due to the unsecured nature of this lending and the inherent risk.  Microfinance Ireland is a not-for-profit lender and is loss making due to the nature of the risk it is mandated to take.  

There were 484 applications received under the Microfinance Ireland loan scheme from the 19 March 2020 up to 13 May 2020.  There were 283 applications approved for a value of €7,985,762 and 103 applications deemed ineligible/declined.  The remainder of applications are in progress within MFI's application process.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (545, 604)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

545. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the application process and steps that micro and small businesses will have to take to access a restart grant of up to €10,000 in value as announced on 2 May 2020 (details supplied); if primary or secondary legislation will have to be enacted to operationalise this grant; and the amount allocated towards the grant scheme. [5672/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Robert Troy

Ceist:

604. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the projected number of micro and small businesses which will be able to qualify for the maximum restart grant value as announced on 2 May 2020 (details supplied). [6350/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 604 together.

On Friday, 15 May 2020 the Government agreed details of the new €250m Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.

The Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers.

The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, or a minimum payment of €2,000, whichever is the higher, and a maximum payment of €10,000. Those businesses with outstanding rates bills are also eligible to make an application if they meet the criteria.

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online to local authorities from Friday 22 May. Processing of applications and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial surge of applications but, as far as is feasible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national Roadmap.

To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:

1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people;

2. have closed and/or suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020;

3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed;

4. declare the intention to retaining employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and to reemploy staff on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment where applicable.

The grant can be used to defray ongoing fixed costs and in particular for replenishing stock and for measures needed to ensure employee and customer safety.

This direct grant support is part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the Wage Subsidy Scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (546)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

546. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the likely interest rates foreseen under the €2 billion Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme as announced on 2 May 2020 (details supplied); and if the scheme is availing of new EU state aid flexibilities. [5674/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government on 2 May announced a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available from AIB, BOI and Ulster Bank. 

This Scheme forms a major component of the government’s strategy to aid SMEs in these difficult times by providing critical support to ensure businesses are facilitated in having access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment. 

It will provide an 80% guarantee on lending to SMEs until the end of this year, for terms between 3 months and 6 years.  The guarantee will support a wide range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million that have a maximum term of 6 years or less.  

The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors, including primary producers and to Mid-Caps employing up to 500 staff. It will have interest rates below current market rates.  The implementation of this Scheme will require legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.

It will also require approval from the European Commission under the ‘Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak’.  My officials are working closely with DG Competition to ensure that this approval can be secured in a timely fashion.

The Government is supporting the provision of access to liquidity at lower than market rates.  There is limited scope as some interest must be charged by the banks to cover overheads and capital costs if they are to continue to work with Government. However, I have asked my officials to continue to look into the question of interest rates and see if there is a way to achieve interest rate reductions.

There are strong advantages to loan schemes that run through the banks –

- There is a wide reach across the country.

- They encourage businesses to continue their existing relationships with their banks.

- Banks understand the financial issues faced by customers during this crisis and can work through problems with them – in addition the banks have announced that they may be able to offer payment holiday or emergency working capital facilities.

Finally, loan schemes allow the Government to leverage Exchequer funding to increase the volume of funding available, thereby providing much-needed support to more businesses.

These loans are one part of the suite of initial supports for Covid-19 affected businesses, which also includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, waiver of commercial rates, warehousing of tax liabIlities as well as advisory & mentoring supports.

Health and Safety Regulations

Ceisteanna (547, 572)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

547. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the new Health and Safety Authority workplace guidelines will be published for reopening businesses. [5677/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Robert Troy

Ceist:

572. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the national protocol on Covid-19 issues will be published that is under negotiation between the Government, unions and employers with the assistance of the Health and Safety Authority with respect to the reopening of businesses when the restrictions have lifted; and if primary legislation will be needed to enact the provisions of this protocol. [5990/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 547 and 572 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I launched the national “Return to Work Safely Protocol” Saturday, 9 May 2020.

The Protocol was drafted in close consultation with the social partners under the auspices of the Labour and Employer Economic Forum and agreed with them.

Under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, the HSA has full powers to oversee compliance with the health, safety and wellbeing of workers in their place of work.  While COVID-19 is a public health issue, the infectious nature of the virus and the way in which it is easily transmitted through human contact, makes it a workplace health and safety issue as well as a general health matter.  Neither health, safety nor welfare are narrowly defined in the 2005 Act, so the HSA has all of the powers that it needs.

While there are clear public health measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Protocol is designed to translate these measures into a  clear compliance framework designed for places of work.  This is to help businesses to reopen so that workers can feel safe returning to work. The Health and Safety Authority will ensure compliance with the Protocol through a range of measures including advice, guidance, inspection and enforcement action as appropriate under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The Protocol provides that within the workplace every employer will prepare a COVID-19 specific Response Plan and appoint at least one lead COVID-19 worker representative. The Protocol also provides that this Plan will be developed in consultation with workers. Existing safety representatives in the workplace appointed under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, can play a valuable role in this regard. I am satisfied that this approach will ensure the necessary collaboration and co-operation between employers and employees who share the common goal of keeping workplaces safe.

Phase 1 of the reopening of the economy began on Monday last and, as I said at the time, the HSA and other inspectors are out there advising and guiding employers on how to respect the Protocol.  Helping businesses to comply is the overall goal of the HSA.  However if, following an inspection, the inspector forms the opinion that further action is required, the appropriate action, up to and including the closure of a workplace, will be taken using the relevant powers. Where relevant, the public health authorities will be involved.

A high-level consultative stakeholder forum, under the aegis of LEEF, has been established to oversee the implementation of the Protocol as the economy opens up, in line with the Government’s Roadmap.  The forum will include membership from the various bodies with responsibility for health and safety at work, and for public health more generally.

Enterprise Support Services

Ceisteanna (548)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

548. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which small and micro firms will access the redesigned €200 million sustaining enterprise scheme under new EU state aid flexibilities. [5678/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department will continue to monitor the needs of companies as the situation evolves and provide new supports where required and appropriate to do so.  The €180m Sustaining Enterprise Fund is specifically aimed at all firms with 10 or more employees in the manufacturing and international services sectors impacted by COVID-19 that are vulnerable but viable.  The Fund will be operated by Enterprise Ireland, providing repayable advances of up to €800,000 as agreed with the EU under new State Aid rules and, together with leveraged lending from the financial markets, should see up to €500m of additional investment in vulnerable but viable firms.  This fund will be repayable only after a three-year grace period and repayment by end of year 5 on successful achievement of the project objective.

I have also launched a new Sustaining Enterprise Fund for Small Enterprises on Thursday 7th May. This now includes a specific fund for smaller businesses of €25,000 and €50,000, depending on size and turnover of company.  This fund will be operated by Enterprise Ireland and provide liquidity to enable these enterprises to steer a pathway towards recovery and to introduce measures in response to the controls and health and safety requirements in line with changing work patterns and protocols and guidelines being introduced as we begin the re-opening of the economy.

These supports together with the full range of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and Údarás na Gaeltachta grant and advisory supports continue to be available to eligible firms to help with strategies to access finance, commence or ramp-up online trading activity, reconfigure business models, cut costs, innovate, diversify markets and supply chains and to improve competitiveness.

On Friday 15 May last, the Government agreed the arrangements for the new €250m “Restart Grant” for micro enterprises and small businesses.  The Restart Grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. Eligible businesses will receive a Restart Grant equivalent to their commercial rates assessment for 2019 (excluding arrears), subject to a minimum grant of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000. This grant will provide funding to enable small and micro business reconnect with their employees and customer base by helping to defray ongoing fixed costs and the costs, such as PPE, associated with re-launching the business.

I can assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19.  In that regard, Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework.

Examinership Arrangements

Ceisteanna (549)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

549. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has examined the proposal by small business representatives to extend the examinership protection window for Covid-19 impacted businesses on a temporary basis. [5679/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is progressing as a matter of priority proposals to amend the Companies Acts to mitigate the immediate effects of the Covid-19 crisis on business.  Included are proposals to provide the Court with the power to extend the protection provided by it during examinership.

Examinership remains very relevant in the context of preserving viable businesses and protecting jobs. It is a managed process that includes the interests of customers, creditors, suppliers and employees and staff. I have asked my officials and the Company Law Review Group to examine all proposals as a matter of urgency. The CLRG is a statutory body charged with advising me on all matters pertaining to company law to promote enterprise and enhance corporate governance. Membership of the CLRG is wide and representative of the broad range of stakeholders with an interest in company law. This includes bodies such as ISME and the SFA, both of which specifically represent the interests of small and medium sized businesses. This  group is ideally positioned to fully consider the many issues arising from a unique wide-ranging perspective.

Health and Safety Regulations

Ceisteanna (550)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

550. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on proposed measures in correspondence (details supplied) to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers in order to facilitate the reopening of hairdressing services in advance of the timeline in the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business impacted by Covid-19; and her further views on other concerns highlighted in the correspondence regarding providers operating on the black market. [5680/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.  It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

On 15th May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from Monday May 18th. This is in line with advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.

Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures.  Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures.  It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html.

The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.  If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead.

On 8th May the Government agreed details of a further support which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The Restart Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30th June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

These supports were developed and put in place in light of feedback I received while engaging with businesses. Since this crisis began, I have convened numerous meetings of the Enterprise and Retail forums, which I chair, and met other representatives of employers and employees and the response back has been very positive. I will continue to maintain that dialogue with stakeholders, including representatives of the hairdressing sector, so that we can work towards getting people back to work safely.

 I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so.  My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amends its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources. 

In my view, circumventing current restrictions represents a willful act which increases the risk of spreading COVID-19 and undermines our ambitions to protect our people and our economy by unwinding restrictions safely.  Addressing the shadow economy is an important part of ensuring fairness and a level playing field for all businesses and workers in our economy, especially at a time when we are trying to ensure that we can safely and gradually return to work and productivity.  While the Workplace  Relations Commission (WRC) works with the Department of Employment and Social Protection and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to address the challenges posed by the shadow economy, the Revenue Commissioners lead in this matter and further information in this regard is available at  https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/assist-us/reporting-shadow-economy-activity/what-revenue-is-doing.aspx

Consumer Rights

Ceisteanna (551)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

551. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the recourse available to consumers to ensure they receive full refunds if they decide to cancel a package holiday in view of Covid-19; the consumer statutory entitlements under Irish and EU laws in this area; and the appropriate State body and Department that has the lead remit in this area. [5682/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Section 18A(4)(a) of the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995 which gives effect to Article 12(2) of Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on package travel and linked travel arrangements provides that ‘the traveller shall have the right to terminate the package travel contract before start of the package in the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity and significantly affecting the performance of the package, or which significantly affect the carriage of passengers to the destination’. Section 18(4)(b) provides that ‘where the traveller terminates the package travel contract under paragraph (a), the traveller shall –

(i) not be required to any termination fee,

(ii) be entitled to a full refund from the organiser of all payments made for the package without undue delay’.

Section 18A(7) of the Act which gives effect to Article 12(4) of the Directive provides that the organiser of a package must make any refunds due to a traveller under section 18A(4) not later than 14 days after the package travel contract is terminated.

Determining whether unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances significantly affecting the performance of a package, or the carriage of passengers to a destination, exist normally requires a case-by-case assessment of the particular circumstances affecting the package concerned. In current circumstances where the Government’s Covid-19 Travel Advisory advises ‘against all non-essential travel overseas until further notice’ and where restrictions on entry by non-nationals into other countries are widely in force, it can be taken that such unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances apply generally.

The Competition and Consumer Protection is responsible for the enforcement of section 18A of the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995.  The Commission for Aviation Regulation has responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the insolvency protection provisions of the 1995 Act and related enactments, principally the Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents) Act 1982. As the 1995 Act and these related enactments were enacted on the basis of Bills initiated, or Statutory Instruments signed, by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Department of Transport, Tourism has the lead role for consumer protection in the package travel area.

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