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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Ceisteanna (420)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

420. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the qualifying criteria will be reconsidered for the Covid-19 restart grant for small businesses (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7441/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses is available online on all local authority websites since Friday 22nd May. Eligible businesses who have remained open, or that reopened under phase 1 on 18th May or that are due to reopen in Phase 2 on 8th June under the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to ease the COVID-19 restrictions are encouraged to apply now for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.

The Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro and small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.

I understand the concerns relating to business that do not operate from commercial premises.

However, tradespersons and service providers that operate on a mobile basis or that could continue to work remotely have been better placed to continue to trade and many do not have the same levels of ongoing overheads or reopening costs that a fixed premises business will have. Within the funding available, the priority has been to support those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but who will still have incurred ongoing costs.

The eligibility criteria will be subject to ongoing review and we will continue to take on board issues as they arise.

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