Wage Subsidy Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (42, 75, 96)

Johnny Mythen

Ceist:

42. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the temporary wage subsidy scheme to the taxi, bus and coach sector (details supplied). [8892/20]

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

75. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he will direct support to the bus and coach sector such as a continuation of the temporary wage subsidy scheme until the tourism and transport sector returns to normal, the introduction of a turnover-linked direct grant to assist with liquidity and the restoration of the fuel rebate for the sector. [8790/20]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

96. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the measures he will implement to protect jobs in the motor industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9219/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 75 and 96 together.

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is provided for in section 28 of the recently enacted Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 (The Act).

The underlying legislation and the TWSS itself were developed having regard to the Government objective of providing assistance to employers and employees, where businesses have been seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions which were introduced as a result. The scheme is available to eligible employers across all sectors, excluding the Public Service and Non-Commercial Semi-State Sector. This includes businesses that have closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions and those that continue to operate and employ their workforce. The sectors to which the Deputies refer are no different in this regard.

In relation to other direct support measures, I would draw the Deputies' attention to a recent publication by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, which outlines the key financial supports and resources that are being made available to help all businesses and sectors impacted by Covid-19. This publication is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c644c0-supports-for-businesses-impacted-by-covid-19/ .

Finally, the Diesel Rebate Scheme offers a partial refund to qualifying road haulage and bus transport operators on the excise paid on auto diesel when the retail price is over €1.00 (Vat exclusive). The repayment increases gradually to a maximum of 7.5 cents per litre when the retail price is €1.16 (Vat exclusive) or above. The rebate rate is calculated on the basis of the average retail price in a quarter year period and is based on CSO data. As a temporary support measure, the terms of this scheme were enhanced in Budget 2020 by doubling the marginal rate of repayment from 30% of the excise paid to 60 % when the retail price of diesel is over €1.07 (Vat exclusive). The scheme continues to be available to all qualifying road transport operators.