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Wednesday, 3 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 453-477

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (453)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

453. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the benefits a business which is approved for the business continuity voucher receives for €2,500; the costs that the enterprise board incurs in delivery of the €2,500 grant for a business; and the amount mentors are paid per hour. [8840/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Local Enterprise Offices are the ‘First Stop Shop’ for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland. Located in the 31 Local Authorities Offices nationwide, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland. The LEOs can also offer advice and guidance in areas such as Local Authority rates, Public Procurement and other regulations affecting business.

The benefit accruing to any business availing of a Business Continuity Voucher is the consultancy support provided towards contingency planning to assist the business to continue trading through the COVID lockdown phase. The primary aim of the scheme was to support companies to make informed decisions regarding the immediate measures needed to continue trading during the COVID lockdown phase while securing the safety of all employees and future business viability through identification of remedial actions.

Examples of what it could be used to support include but are not limited to:

- Develop business continuity plan

- Assess current financial needs in the short term to medium term

- Reduce variable costs, overheads and expenses,

- Review and explore supply chain financing options

- Implement remote working processes or procedures

- Leverage HR expertise

- Leverage ICT expertise

- Prepare a business case for application to emergency financial interventions available through Banks, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and Micro Finance Ireland.

The costs that the Local Enterprise Office incurs in delivery of this support are up to €2,500 in consultancy expenditure per voucher.

LEO Mentoring Support is a separate support to the Business Continuity Voucher. The LEO Mentors are paid a maximum pro rata rate of €175 per visit (€58 per hour) lasting up to three hours excluding travel time for each visit related to an assignment.

In addition to the above, the LEOs are offering COVID-19 mentoring appointments, where a client company is matched with an experienced business professional for expert mentoring. This service is now provided at no charge to the client company and appointments are carried out by phone, email or video call.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (454)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

454. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when homeware shops such as furniture stores and carpet stores will be allowed to reopen; and the phase under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in which this is permitted. [8881/20]

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. It is a particularly difficult time for retailers who have had to close their doors in the interest of public health and adherence to the public health guidelines

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.

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from 18 May.

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3736c7-government-approves-moving-to-phase-1-of-easing-covid-19-restriction/#list-of-retailers-that-can-open-on-18-may.

This decision was taken having regard to the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) at the time. 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.

With regard to homeware outlets, I wish to draw your attention to the list of retailers that are able to open published on 15th May as; hardware stores, builders' merchants and those providing essential supplies and tools for gardening, farming and agriculture; garden centres and farmers markets; Opticians/Optometrists/Outlets providing hearing test services, selling hearing aids and appliances; retailers involved in the sale, supply and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles and related facilities (e.g. tyre sales and repairs); office products and services; electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home. This does not include homeware stores.

Only stores providing homeware incidental to primary retail functions set out in the original Essential Services list are to reopen in Phase 1. It is not intended that stores which might also classify themselves as homeware, but primarily sell items such as furniture, bedding, curtains, kitchenware, crockery or other such items etc. can open.

The advice for individuals is still to stay at home as much as possible. During Phase 1, it is intended that customers should restrict visits to such stores for essential supplies. All retailers are encouraged to continue to provide on-line services where that is possible and appropriate to minimise footfall. All of these retail outlets must implement physical distancing measures and measures set out in the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.

Government continues to monitor progress on Phase 1 and will assess progress this week. As set out in the Roadmap, Phase 2 is a reopening based on size rather than sector. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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.

It is imperative that all businesses must adhere to physical distancing requirements and the latest public health guidance at all times.

A wide range of financial supports and guidance has been made available by my Department and wider Government to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Full details of all supports and guidance is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

Finally, it is important that all businesses check https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to Covid-19.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Ceisteanna (455)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

455. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will publish the report of her Department which has been referred to in the media which includes information regarding the previous earnings of those in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment. [8913/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The report to which the Deputy refers is Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity.

It was made publicly available on 15 May last on both Gov.ie and my Department’s website.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (456)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

456. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has conducted research on the impact of moving to a four-day work week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8974/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department and I understand the importance of flexible working, which can encompass a wide variety of practices, including part-time, job sharing, remote working and compressed hours. Such solutions allow for tangible benefits for employees including improving their work/life balance. Flexible working also assists in the development of an inclusive society. By removing some of the barriers to work for people with caring responsibilities, and providing a framework for flexible retirement, increasing flexible working could improve labour market participation, particularly amongst people with caring responsibilities, older people and people with disabilities. 

While my Department has not conducted research on the impact of moving to a four-day week, there is a large volume of work underway on the topic of flexible working across Government departments. This was reflected in Pillar 4 of Future Jobs Ireland, which included a number of key deliverables with the objective of fostering participation in the labour force through flexible working solutions. 

This includes the completion of research on remote working which my Department completed in 2019. The objective of this research was to understand the prevalence and types of remote working arrangements within the Irish workforce and the attitudes towards such arrangements. The research also identified the influencing factors for both employers and employees partaking in remote working. Following its publication, my Department committed to the formation of an Interdepartmental Working Group on the production of guidance on remote work for employers. This work is now underway and is expected to be completed in 2020.

Alongside the work that my Department is leading on in relation to remote working, the Department of Justice and Equality is also leading on a number of further deliverables relevant to flexible working. This includes the development of guidance for employers on family-friendly working options, the extension of unpaid Parental Leave, and a national consultation on a variety of flexible working options which will inform the development of a national flexible working policy in 2020.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (457)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

457. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she is taking to support supply chain businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8983/20]

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 businesses under review and to continue to offer support as they work through the challenges facing them. These supports include those businesses facing challenges operating in the supply chains.

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/ .

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 that regard, Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including micro-enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.

The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is offered 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 €200m 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 a further announcement 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 is open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) negatively impacted by Covid-19. Loans under the scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5m and are for periods of up to three years. The maximum interest rate under the scheme is 4% and loans of up to €500,000 are available unsecured.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme currently 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, resulting in a rapid take up of the scheme. Funding made available by the scheme facilitates long-term, strategic investment.

The scheme is open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees), including those in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors. Loans under the scheme range from €100,000 (€50,000 for farmers) to €3m per eligible business, with loans of up to €500,000 available unsecured. The initial maximum interest rate is capped at 4.5% for loans up to €249,999 and 3.5% for loans more than or equal to €250,000 for the first six months. These rates represent a significant saving compared with the prevailing rates that are otherwise being offered for similar loans on the market.

This scheme has been expanded by a further €200m to facilitate longer-term lending to Covid-19-impacted businesses and my Department is working through the details of this expansion and will bring this funding to market as soon as possible.

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.

An interest rate to 4.5% applies 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.

Government has agreed a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. 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 be able to be used for 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. It will also have interest rates below current market rates. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.

There are a number of liquidity supports for COVID 19 impacted businesses available now, including the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme which was implemented in 2012, supporting loans up to €1 million for periods of up to 7 years. The scheme is designed to support a range of debt products appropriate to the borrowing needs of SMEs. An application to access the Credit Guarantee Scheme can be made through one of the participating lenders which are currently Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank Ireland.

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.

As the reopening of the economy proceeds, more and more businesses are transitioning from the planning to the implementation phase as we progress through the 5 stages of the Government Roadmap. It is in this context that the Business Continuity Voucher is being phased out and since 15 May is closed to new applicants. The LEOs will continue to work with existing applicants and recipients of BCV vouchers and their subsequent business continuity plans. The awarding of vouchers under the BCV scheme will naturally taper off in the coming weeks as the Local Enterprise Offices process the outstanding applications. In recognition of this new stage the new €250m Restart Grant was introduced to assist micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.

Enterprise Ireland, on behalf of the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation has launched a new suite of COVID-19 supports including the following.

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.

Sustaining Enterprise Fund – Small Enterprise: This fund will provide a €25,000 to €50,000 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 3 years-time.

COVID 19 – HPSU Fund (SEF – HPSU): 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 €5,000 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 €2,500 voucher for eligible companies to access training or advisory services support related to the continued operation of their business during the current pandemic. 156 applications have been received for the LEAN Business Continuity Voucher.

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.

Restart Grant is a new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses, application forms are now available online on all local authority websites. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers.

To qualify for the Restart Grant, a business must:

- have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees;

- have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020;

- commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed. The business must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).

In addition to these new supports, there are a range of other supports to assist companies to start to scale, innovate, remain competitive, diversify into new markets and respond to Covid-19; these are:

- Strategic Consultancy Grant;

- Act On supports;

- Key Manager Grant; and,

- Business Process Improvement Grant;

- eiLearn Online Learning Platform; and,

- EI Virtual Mentoring Support.

Enterprise Ireland provides support for new start-ups and existing business through a wide range of initiatives and supports. The awarding of funding by the agency is based on eligibility, evaluation criteria and assessed company need.

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 £2,500/€2,800) 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.

Together with the suite of Covid-19 supports The Return to Work Safely Protocol has been designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, as the economy begins to slowly open up, following the temporary closure of most businesses during the worst phase of the current pandemic. The national Return to Work Safely 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 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 on www.gov.ie

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.

The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s (NSAI) recently published COVID-19 Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide and the Covid-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide contain useful information that can be applied across many businesses.

It is important to check https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to Covid-19.

Information and guidance for taxpayers and agents on the Temporary Wage Scheme can be found on the Revenue website at: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/communications/covid19/temporary-covid-19-wage-subsidy-scheme.aspx.

The Government will continue to monitor the need for sectoral guides, and should a need arise, I will work with my Department and Agencies to consider how we would best support or publish such a guide. I can assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (458)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

458. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a licensed public house that has a main business activity as food can reopen under phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9026/20]

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.

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from 18 May. This decision was taken having regard to the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) at the time. 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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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/.

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 under Phase 1 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

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 informed by the public health advice at the time.

My Department does not have responsibility for issuing restaurant licences; such licences are obtained from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners following an application through the Courts. Pending further announcements regarding which businesses can reopen under Phases 2 to 5 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, the following link to the Revenue website may be useful - https://www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/excise-and-licences/excise-duty-rates/excise-licences.aspx

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (459)

John Lahart

Ceist:

459. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will consider the parallel opening of large and small retail premises in Dublin to alleviate the issue of queuing and street congestion and to facilitate greater individual personal space around general mobility within the city and suburban centres to ensure maximum safety and minimum queuing. [9034/20]

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.

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from 18 May. https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3736c7-government-approves-moving-to-phase-1-of-easing-covid-19-restriction/#list-of-retailers-that-can-open-on-18-may This decision was taken having regard to the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) at the time.

Government continues to monitor progress on Phase 1 will assess that progress this week.

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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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 understand from my colleague Shane Ross T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is engaging with local authorities to support them in the development of COVID Mobility plans and importantly to also support the local authorities in their delivery of required infrastructure improvements. Dublin City Council (DCC) and the NTA have already published a framework of proposals to address the new and urgent needs relating to commercial activity and mobility in Dublin City Centre. As we move through the phases of the Government's Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business, improvements introduced under these plans will play an important role in providing additional transport capacity and also facilitating social distancing in urban areas.

The NTA has written to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support and this support will be funded through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s sustainable mobility investment programme. The NTA envisages a range of measures may be required in our cities and towns, such as:

- Widening of footpaths to facilitate queuing outside shops and enable social distancing;

- Potential pedestrianisation of some streets where necessary and feasible to accommodate social distancing, particularly where this supports business activities;

- Potential one-way systems to create space for footpath widening;

- Altering traffic signal times to reduce pedestrian waiting/crowding plus the automatic activation of some pedestrian phases in order to to aid pedestrian movement and to minimise contact with signal push buttons;

- Providing additional temporary facilities for cyclists; and

- Provision of some external space where appropriate to support business activities.

I understand that some local authorities have already put improvements in place to facilitate increased active travel and it is expected these improvements will continue in the coming weeks and months.

Also, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring T.D. has recently announced a new €15 million call under his Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 which has been tailored to address the emerging challenges associated with COVID-19. This means:

- A focus under the standard Town and Village Renewal Scheme on interventions that can respond to the new challenges associated with COVID-19 and support the economic and social recovery of rural towns and villages;

- The introduction of a new strand of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2020 that focuses on immediate interventions that can be delivered in the short-term to assist towns and villages to adapt to COVID-19.

Full details of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/01125e-town-and-village-renewal-scheme/

A wide range of financial supports and guidance has been made available by my Department and wider Government to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Full details of all supports and guidance is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

Finally, it is important that all businesses check https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to Covid-19.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (460)

John Lahart

Ceist:

460. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration has been given by the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business planners to time and space rationing and staggering in Dublin (details supplied). [9035/20]

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. 

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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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 addition to the above instruments which are designed to reopen our economy in  a safe manner, I understand from the Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is engaging with local authorities to support them in the development of COVID Mobility plans and, importantly, to also support the local authorities in their delivery of required infrastructure improvements. Dublin City Council (DCC) and the NTA have already published a framework of proposals to address the new and urgent needs relating to commercial activity and mobility in Dublin City Centre. As we move through the phases of Government's Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business, improvements introduced under these plans will play an important role in providing additional transport capacity and also facilitating social distancing in urban areas.

The NTA has written to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support and this support will be funded through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s sustainable mobility investment programme. The NTA envisages a range of measures may be required in our cities and towns, such as:

- Widening of footpaths to facilitate queuing outside shops and enable social distancing;

- Potential pedestrianisation of some streets where necessary and feasible to accommodate social distancing, particularly where this supports business activities;

- Potential one-way systems to create space for footpath widening;

- Altering traffic signal times to reduce pedestrian waiting/crowding plus the automatic activation of some pedestrian phases in order to aid pedestrian movement and to minimise contact with signal push buttons;

- Providing additional temporary facilities for cyclists; and

- Provision of some external space where appropriate to support business activities.

I understand that some local authorities have already put improvements in place to facilitate increased active travel and it is expected these improvements will continue in the coming weeks and months.

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.

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 informed by the public health advice at the time.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (461)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

461. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a business in receipt of the Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme is obliged to pay a full wage to an employee should the employee be absent from work for a day or more. [9067/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Temporary Wage Subsidy scheme is administered by the Revenue Commissioners. Employment rights policy matters are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

Statutory and contractual employment terms continue to apply in the normal manner during Covid-19. If an employee believes that there has been an unlawful deduction of their salary pursuant to the Payment of Wages Act 1991, he or she may refer a complaint to the independent adjudicator service in the Workplace Relations Commission, an independent office under the aegis of my Department.

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Ceisteanna (462)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

462. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available for persons who have been discharged from bankruptcy, were running profitable companies for over two years until the outbreak of Covid-19 but are ineligible for loans under the credit guarantee scheme for Covid-19 due to previous bankruptcy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9090/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Microfinance Ireland (MFI) who operate the MFI COVID-19 Business Loan accept applications from people who are formally discharged from bankruptcy, within any time barrier, subject to full disclosure. Loan approval is subject to a full disclosure upfront and normal credit underwriting criteria. As with all loan applications to MFI, the application does not guarantee loan approval.

The MFI Covid-19 Loan 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.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (463)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

463. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will provide a derogation to SMEs from the de minimis rule in the wake of Covid-19 in view of the fact that indigenous companies that have benefited from grant aid totalling €200,000 over the past three years are ineligible for further business supports at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9111/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 19 March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Commission approved a Temporary State Aid Framework to provide greater flexibilities for Member States (MS) to provide support to enterprises impacted by the crisis. Schemes and/or individual aid measures notified under this framework will be processed by the Commission very quickly, usually over the period of a week.

Ireland’s inputs into the development of the Temporary State Aid Framework and subsequent amendments was coordinated by the State Aid Unit in my Department. This included engagement with the Commission on the two subsequent amendments to the Temporary Framework, the first of which was adopted on 3 April 2020 and the second was adopted on 8 May 2020. These amendments have provided Member States with additional options to tackle the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

During the consultation process for the development of Temporary Framework, the State Aid team in my Department requested, along with other Member States, that the de minimis threshold be raised from €200,000 to €500,000. However, the Commission advised that any change to the regulation would take a longer period of time, and therefore be ineffective in dealing with the crisis. However, on the basis of these consultations with MS, the threshold in the Temporary Framework was increased from €500,000 to €800,000.

The purpose of the Framework is to provide temporary, targeted amounts of aid to undertakings that find themselves facing a sudden shortage or even unavailability of liquidity. Aid provided under the Temporary Framework can be cumulated with de minimis aid and other existing state aid measures, provided the provisions of these measures are respected.

The flexibility provided by the Temporary Framework allows aid to be provided to undertakings, including SMEs, who are facing difficulties due to the current crisis without impacting on their individual de minimis thresholds. Undertakings that have reached the de minimis threshold of €200,000 over the past three years will be able to access aid from schemes that operate under the Temporary Framework.

I am conscious that the de minimis threshold for SMEs must be managed and our approach has always been to look at other state aid measures first when developing schemes. It is for this very reason that the €200m Sustaining Enterprise Fund, which is operated by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland and provides repayable advances of up to €800,000 to eligible firms was notified by my Department and approved by the Commission under the Temporary Framework.

Two further supports that have been announced which will operate under the Temporary Framework are the Restart Fund and the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. These will operate under the Temporary Framework rather than under the de minimis regulation so as to ensure that those companies who have come close to the €200,000 threshold can still access these supports.

The Restart Fund which is open for applications has been notified by my Department to the Commission on 28 May. The expanded COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, announced on 2 May, will operate under the Temporary Framework and as such aid granted under these schemes, will not impact on the de minimis thresholds of beneficiaries. This is due to be formally notified to the Commission shortly.

For enterprises that have not yet reached their de minimis aid threshold some of the supports available under the de minimis Regulation are:

- Covid-19 loans of up to €50,000 from Microfinance Ireland for micro enterprises. Loans are available at an interest rate of between 4.5% and 5.5%, with the first six months interest and repayment free. Businesses can apply through their nearest LEO or directly at microfinanceireland.ie;

- The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Schemes opened for eligibility applications on 23 March. The maximum loan size under the scheme is €1.5m (first €500,000 unsecured) and the maximum interest rate is set at 4%. Eligibility criteria apply. Applications can be made through the SBCI website at sbci.gov.ie;

- The current Credit Guarantee Scheme supports loans of up to €1m for periods of up to seven years. Applications can be made to AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank.

In addition to the new package of liquidity measures announced by the Minister last week, including for micro-enterprises, the full range of Enterprise Ireland, 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. Government will continue to explore funding potential at EU level, as necessary, for all enterprises including micro-enterprises, through funding mechanisms such as the European Regional Development Fund and through the EU’s temporary state aid framework.

My officials will continue to work with the Commission and with our Enterprise Agencies to ensure that enterprises are supported during these extraordinary and difficult times.

Health and Safety Authority

Ceisteanna (464)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

464. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will instruct the HSA to engage in supportive dialogue with business owners in the first instance if it deems a business needs enhanced social distancing measures and that it would do this as an extra step before reporting. [9116/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The national Return to Work Safely Protocol is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol should be used by all workplaces to adapt their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures identified as necessary by the HSE and the Department of Health. It is operating in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements.

The Health and Safety Authority is the lead Agency in relation to oversight and compliance with the Protocol. In line with Phase 1 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, the Health and Safety Authority launched a national programme of inspections to check compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol. Authority inspectors were on the ground from that date enforcing compliance with the Protocol. As of close of business on the 29th of May at the end of week 2 of phase 1 of the Roadmap, and since 18 May 2020 when the economy began to slowly reopen, approximately 1000 inspections were completed across a range of industries. The Authority, based on its initial analysis of the inspections, found that compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol is high and employers are generally taking a responsible and proactive approach.

In addition to inspections the Health and Safety Authority continues to provide advice and support to employers and employees on how they are implementing the COVID-19 measures in the workplace as set out in the Protocol through its helpline, website and during site inspections. The Authority has also developed a range of checklists and templates which are available on its website for use by employers, workers and worker representatives, and further material is being developed. The Authority’s Inspectors have always and will continue to primarily use the model of advice, information and support when carrying out inspections.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (465)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

465. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if new businesses that have not yet paid rates will be eligible for the grants to support small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9126/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On Friday, 15 May 2020, the Government announced details of the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures; with the grant being administered by local authorities from Friday, 22 May 2020.

Eligible businesses who have stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those who are reopening under Phase 1 (from 18 May) and Phase 2 (8 June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, are encouraged to apply for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.

To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and 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 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 retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.

Subject to the qualifying criteria outlined above, any business that has a commercially rateable premises including those businesses with outstanding rates bills are eligible to make an application if they meet the criteria. The grant will be the amount of the rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.

A recently established company that has moved into a rateable premises, or any company that is currently in a rateable premises but was not rate-assessed in 2019, is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been. 

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form.  If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (466)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

466. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 1454 of 20 May 2020, if all businesses including cinemas are instructed to self-identify which phase in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business they fall into; if businesses listed on the roadmap in specific phases can reopen at a different phase depending on their self-assessed risk and safety; and if the HSA will be providing further guidance or oversight for businesses to self-identify their reopening phase. [9150/20]

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.  

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from 18 May. This decision was taken having regard to the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) at the time. 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.

Government advice is that 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. 

Cinemas are listed on page 12 of the Roadmap amongst the Cultural and Social Activities that can reopen in Phase 5, provided there is social distancing in place.

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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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/.

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 under Phase 1 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

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 informed by the public health advice at the time.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (467)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

467. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration has been given to the specific needs and challenges facing businesses operating in the supply chain for the food service, catering and hospitality sectors (details supplied). [9158/20]

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 businesses under review and to continue to offer support as they work through the challenges facing them.  These supports include those challenges facing businesses operating in the supply chain for the food service, catering and hospitality sectors.

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/.

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 that regard, Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including micro-enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.

The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is offered 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 €200m 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 a further announcement 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 is open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) negatively impacted by Covid-19. Loans under the scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5m and are for periods of up to three years. The maximum interest rate under the scheme is 4% and loans of up to €500,000 are available unsecured.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme currently 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, resulting in a rapid take up of the scheme. Funding made available by the scheme facilitates long-term, strategic investment.

The scheme is open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees), including those in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors. Loans under the scheme range from €100,000 (€50,000 for farmers) to €3m per eligible business, with loans of up to €500,000 available unsecured. The initial maximum interest rate is capped at 4.5% for loans up to €249,999 and 3.5% for loans more than or equal to €250,000 for the first six months. These rates represent a significant saving compared with the prevailing rates that are otherwise being offered for similar loans on the market.

This scheme has been expanded by a further €200m to facilitate longer-term lending to Covid-19-impacted businesses and my Department is working through the details of this expansion and will bring this funding to market as soon as possible.

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. 

An interest rate to 4.5% applies 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.  

Government has agreed a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available.  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 be able to be used for 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.  It will also have interest rates below current market rates.  The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.  

There are a number of liquidity supports for COVID 19 impacted businesses available now, including the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme which was implemented in 2012, supporting loans up to €1 million for periods of up to 7 years.  The scheme is designed to support a range of debt products appropriate to the borrowing needs of SMEs.   An application to access the Credit Guarantee Scheme can be made through one of the participating lenders which are currently Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank Ireland. 

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.

As the reopening of the economy proceeds, more and more businesses are transitioning from the planning to the implementation phase as we progress through the 5 stages of the Government Roadmap.  It is in this context that the Business Continuity Voucher is being phased out and since 15 May, is closed to new applicants. The LEOs will continue to work with existing applicants and recipients of BCV vouchers and their subsequent business continuity plans. The awarding of vouchers under the BCV scheme will naturally taper off in the coming weeks as the Local Enterprise Offices process the outstanding applications. In recognition of this new stage the new €250m Restart Grant was introduced to assist micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.

Enterprise Ireland, on behalf of the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation has launched a new suite of COVID-19 supports, including the following.  

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.

Sustaining Enterprise Fund – Small Enterprise: This fund will provide a €25,000 to €50,000 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 3 years-time.

COVID 19 – HPSU Fund (SEF – HPSU): 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 €5,000 grant for eligible companies to work with third party consultants to prepare a detailed financial plan with forecasts and assumptions. 337 applications have been received for Covid-19 Business Financial Planning Grant.

Lean Business Continuity Voucher: A €2,500 voucher for eligible companies to access training or advisory services support related to the continued operation of their business during the current pandemic. 156 applications have been received for the LEAN Business Continuity Voucher.

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.

Restart Grant is a new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses, application forms are now available online on all local authority websites.  The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers.

To qualify for the Restart Grant, a business must

- have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees.

- have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020. 

- commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed. The business must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).

In addition to these new supports, there are a range of other supports to assist companies to start to scale, innovate, remain competitive, diversify into new markets and 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.

Enterprise Ireland provides support for new start-ups and existing business through a wide range of initiatives and supports. The awarding of funding by the agency is based on eligibility, evaluation criteria and assessed company need.

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.

Together with the suite of Covid-19 supports The Return to Work Safely Protocol has been designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, as the economy begins to slowly open up, following the temporary closure of most businesses during the worst phase of the current pandemic. The national Return to Work Safely 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 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 on www.gov.ie

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.

The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s (NSAI) recently published COVID-19 Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide and the Covid-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide contain useful information that can be applied across many businesses. 

It is important to check https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to Covid-19.

Information and guidance for taxpayers and agents on the Temporary Wage Scheme can be found on the Revenue website at:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/communications/covid19/temporary-covid-19-wage-subsidy-scheme.aspx .

The Government will continue to monitor the need for sectoral guides, and should a need arise, I will work with my Department and Agencies to consider how we would best support or publish such a guide. I can assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (468)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

468. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions she has had to date with the events industry (details supplied); her plans for the sector to be represented through an organisation on task forces set up or being set up to spearhead the recovery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9170/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I and my Department officials are continuously working and responding to business needs, ensuring sufficient and tangible supports are being put into place as quickly as possible to assist all our SMEs across the country.

Supporting the promotion and sustainability of our SMEs has always been a high priority of mine. The current crisis reminds us of the importance of this objective amid the challenging circumstances which have been thrust upon our small business sector by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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/Government-supports-to-COVID-19-impacted-businesses.html

In addition to this, my Department is currently operating a Business Support Call Centre to advise on the Government supports available to businesses and enterprises that are affected by COVID-19.  The number to contact is 01 631 2002.

With regard to your request for the establishment of a specific Task Force, please be assured that I and my Department have been engaging extensively across Government and with the representative bodies, the Enterprise and Retail Fora, the banking system, the European Commission and all other relevant stakeholders, with a view to ensuring an appropriate response to the COVID-19 pandemic that will protect and support Irish businesses. You will appreciate that longer-term policy measures to assist the recovery will be more appropriately addressed in the context of a new Programme for Government by the incoming Government, and the appointed Minister to this Department.

Other non-COVID supports for the festivals and events industry are available through Fáilte Ireland, which is under the remit of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. I understand that Fáilte Ireland has set up a COVID-19 Industry Advisory Group which meets weekly. The purpose of this group is to provide support to the tourism industry and to facilitate the timely sharing of information and insights to help improve the sector's understanding and response to the crisis.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (469)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

469. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to reopen the business continuity voucher scheme to enable further companies and businesses to reopen after the Covid-19 pandemic and to help companies and businesses to adapt to the new circumstances after the pandemic; the cost of the scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9171/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In response to recognised business needs at that time, I launched the Business Continuity Voucher scheme on 26 March.  The scheme was a resounding success in terms of uptake, the product of it being an appropriate support for that point in time.  The Business Continuity Voucher provided up to €2,500 in consultancy costs, to develop short and long-term strategies to respond to the initial pandemic and to plan for the eventual recovery and reopening of the economy.

The purpose of the scheme was to provide expert guidance and advice to SMEs employing up 50 people and enable business owners make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions could be taken at the outset of this crisis, to protect staff and sales and eventually help the business recover.

As the reopening of the economy proceeds, more and more businesses are transitioning from the planning to the implementation phase as we progress through the 5 stages of the Government Roadmap.  It is in this context that the BCV is being phased out and is now closed to new applicants.  In recognition of this new stage the new €250m Restart Grant was introduced to assist micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.

The Restart Grant is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m employing up to 50 people, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% projected reduction in turnover to the end of June 2020. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, or a minimum grant of €2,000, with a maximum grant of €10,000.

The LEOs will continue to work with existing applicants and recipients of BCV vouchers and their subsequent business continuity plans. The awarding of vouchers under the BCV scheme will naturally taper off in the coming weeks as the Local Enterprise Offices process the outstanding applications.  The Local Enterprise Offices have thus far approved over 7,000 Business Continuity Vouchers and had received over 14,000 applications prior to the closing date.

Workplace Safety

Ceisteanna (470)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

470. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there is a contact facility at which consumers can raise their concerns regarding inadequate Covid-19 measures employed by some businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9181/20]

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.  

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is an independent statutory body with a dual mandate to enforce competition and consumer protection law in Ireland.  The CCPC continues to deliver on its statutory functions.  A Covid 19 Information Hub can be accessed on the CCPC website at https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/covid-19/ which provides information in relation to consumer rights and obligations on businesses in relation to Covid 19.

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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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.

Health and Safety Inspections

Ceisteanna (471)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

471. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number and location of all HSA inspections that have taken place in direct provision centres; the findings of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9230/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The national Return to Work Safely Protocol is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol should be used by all workplaces to adapt their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures identified as necessary by the HSE and the Department of Health.  It is operating in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements. 

The Health and Safety Authority is the lead Agency in relation to oversight and compliance with the Protocol. It is open to any worker, employer or other stakeholder to submit a query or a complaint to the Health and Safety Authority through its Workplace Contact Unit (WCU) by lo-call 1890 289 389 or by email wcu@hsa.ie. This helpline is confidential and every contact, whether a query or a complaint, is acknowledged and receives a reference number for tracking. Each complaint is initially followed up with the relevant company or employer by the WCU. If there is no response, or the response is not satisfactory or in the event of receipt of multiple or serious allegations at any one time, an inspector will follow up with the employer. The inspector may then decide that a pre-arranged or unannounced inspection is warranted.   

The service provided by the WCU is confidential, and the outcome of individual inspections is also confidential.  It would not, therefore, be appropriate to release information in relation to individual complaints or locations.   

However, the Health and Safety Authority has confirmed that among the almost 5,000 contacts which the WCU received since 01 March 2020 were a small number of contacts in relation to Direct Provision Centres. The process for following up on these contacts is as outlined above.

Question No. 472 answered with Question No. 439.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (473)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

473. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration has been given to the detailed submission by an organisation (details supplied) relating to the reopening of a sector; the outcome of discussions with the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9245/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have received the correspondence referred to. I have asked officials in my Department to consider the range of issues raised in the detailed submission and a comprehensive reply will issue shortly.

I met recently with members of the hairdressing and beauty industry via teleconference, including the organisation referred to, and understand that preparatory work is being undertaken by the hairdressing sector and others in developing guidelines and safety protocols, with reference to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. I requested that, where sectors are developing protocols or guides, they should work together to align this work. For example, barbers' representative bodies should collaborate with hairdresser’s representative bodies on a single aligned protocol for their sector.

I am keen to support sectors on their safe reopening on this aligned and collaborative basis and should the hairdressing sector wish to send me details of their sectoral protocol, I will be happy to convey these to the Minister for Health for his consideration.

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/.

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 under Phase 1 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

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.

Enterprise Support Services

Ceisteanna (474)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

474. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to maximise the potential and usage of enterprise centres in attracting employment opportunities to rural areas and also helping to reduce travel for the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9250/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department’s Regional Enterprise Plans aim is to identify growth potential and new opportunities and strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem while driving sustainable and quality job creation in the regions. 

Shaped from the ‘bottom-up’ by regional stakeholders, and overseen by my Department, the Plans complement national level policies and programmes emanating from the ‘top-down’ and, there is strong alignment with Ireland’s national enterprise policy, Enterprise 2025 Renewed and the Future Jobs Ireland initiative.  The Regional Enterprise Development Fund complements and enables the realisation of key initiatives emerging through the current Regional Enterprise Plans and other bottom-up enterprise development projects.  Through the REDF a number of enterprise centres and hub projects have been approved funding which should allow them to develop throughout the duration of their project into sustainable enterprise centres and hubs in their own right.

Driving balanced regional development is a core goal of Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland’s regional strategy, Powering the Regions has a vision to support all regions:

- grow optimally, based on their innate and unique strengths and capabilities;

- sustain and create regional jobs; and

- maximise the contribution of regions to economic growth and national prosperity.

Supporting enterprise centres is a key element of this strategy.   

Enterprise Ireland has funded the establishment of enterprise centres throughout the country under several schemes, including under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, the Community Enterprise Centre Schemes and the Community Enterprise Initiative Scheme. This support has resulted in a €150 million investment by Enterprise Ireland in all regions throughout the country. In addition, the agency is currently reviewing applications for funding under the €15 million Border Enterprise Development Fund to further support activity in this area.

Enterprise Ireland funded centres are located in areas of both sectoral opportunity and economic challenge. These centres provide:

- affordable physical workspace for companies;

- training and soft supports to tenant companies and companies in their regional area.

- physical space for future of work initiatives, such as, remote working.

As such, these facilities are key infrastructures in the ecosystem for supporting entrepreneurship and start-ups. 

A central objective of Powering the Regions is the Worksmart Challenge. This challenge has the aim to support 10,000 co-working and incubation spaces regional. This initiative will assist enterprise centres in attracting employment opportunities to rural areas and also help to reduce travel for the workforce. The breakdown of this target by region is presented as follows.

Region

Support for co-working and incubator spaces

Midlands

600

Mid-East

1,300

Dublin

2,800

Mid-West

900

South

1,400

South-East

900

West

1,000

North-East

600

North-West

500

With cities becoming increasingly crowded leading to scarce accommodation and increased commutes, remote work is an intervention with the potential to lessen accommodation pressures and support the transition to a greener economy. Remote work also has the potential to stimulate regional growth and to widen the talent pool in Ireland.

This is reflected in the Remote Work in Ireland report, which my Department published in December 2019. The objective of this research was to understand the prevalence and types of remote working arrangements within the Irish workforce, the attitudes towards such arrangements, and the influencing factors for both employers and employees partaking in remote working.

This research was informed by a large volume of desk research; engagement with key stakeholders; the outputs arising from a ministerial Remote Working Consultation Forum which was held in the Cavan Digital Hub in July 2019; and the dissemination of an online Remote Work Employee Survey.

The Remote Work Employee Survey reflected a significant demand for remote working options amongst existing employees. Of respondents who did not work remotely, 82.7% indicated that they would like to. A reduced commute was identified as a key motivator for those who wanted to work remotely, accounting for 39.9% of responses. This was most common amongst those living in the Mid-East (63.2%), West (43.3%) and Midlands (43.1%).

The report identified three key areas to be addressed to ensure that Ireland could reap the benefits of remote working:

- Data: The report found that there was a lack of current data available on employees, employers and the hub infrastructure. It was suggested that to aid informed policy in the area that more data should be collected.

- Collaboration: The report found that whilst some collaboration had taken place between bodies working on the remote work agenda that this could be strengthened. It was suggested that an Interdepartmental Group comprising of relevant departments and state agencies should be formed to align national policies and strategies.

- Guidance: The report found that there was a lack of an official framework on remote working and that employers were not always aware of the options available to support them. The report recognised that this presented a barrier to the increased adoption of remote working solutions. It identified the need for guidance for employers in the following five areas:

- Equality

- Health and Safety

- Employment Conditions and the Right to Disconnect

- Data Protection

- Training

To build on this work, my Department has committed to the establishment of an Interdepartmental Group comprising of all relevant Departments and Agencies to align approaches and develop clear guidance on remote work for employers and employees. This Group has now been formed and will be steering the development of guidance on this topic.

The development of guidance will take into account the main findings of the Remote Work in Ireland report as well as engaging in wide consultation with key social partners and stakeholders. This research will seek to identify any gaps and inconsistencies in the current guidance on remote working available and identify any news areas where guidance may be required. This work expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Regional development is a key priority of mine and I am focused on maintaining existing jobs while also increasing the level of employment and investment in rural areas. Innovation is a critical element of regional economic sustainability and in order to grow, regional firms must be enabled to achieve sales outside their region.

Construction Regulations

Ceisteanna (475)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

475. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of construction workers who have been refused return to work due to the fact their Safe Pass expired before 1 March 2020; the way in which the matter will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9277/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The matter raised by the Deputy in relation to the impact of the expiration of safe pass cards is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills. The Safe Pass construction safety awareness scheme is developed, managed and maintained by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills.

The Department of Education and Skills and SOLAS took the decision to suspend the provision of Safe Pass training around 20 March due to COVID-19 public health concerns.  At the request of the Department of Education and Skills, and SOLAS, my Department amended the Construction Regulations so as to extend the period of validity of all existing SOLAS Safe Pass cards issued from 1st March 2016 beyond their current expiry date until such a time as Safe Pass training is available from SOLAS again.  The date of 1 March 2016 was used as the Safe Pass card is valid for a four-year period, so the people most immediately affected by the suspension of training by SOLAS are those whose “four year card” was due to expire from 1 March 2020 onwards.  

With the re-opening of the Construction Sector in Phase one of the Government’s Roadmap a lot of queries have arisen as to when SOLAS will resume the provision of Safe Pass training especially from people who did not renew their cards prior to 1 March, but also including new entrances to the sector and companies seeking oversea contractors to work on specialist projects to install plant.   

Only SOLAS, in conjunction with their parent Department, the Department of Education and Skills, can decide on the resumption of Safe Pass training which will facilitate the people whose card expired prior to 1 March 2020.  I understand that the matter is under active consideration in the Department of Education and Skills.

Job Losses

Ceisteanna (476)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

476. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures she has taken to help reduce the number of job losses at a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9278/20]

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.

 The efforts by all countries to reduce the rates of transmission is impacting the travel and tourism-related industries most acutely. I know this is a challenging and uncertain time for all the workers in the airline industry who have lost their jobs. I fully appreciate how difficult the situation is for those involved and their families.

That is why my colleagues the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, announced on 20th May the formation of a special Tourism Recovery Taskforce dedicated to spearheading economic recovery for the tourism sector, with an independent chairperson, Ruth Andrews, Chair of Irish Tourism Industry Confederation. I note also that the membership of the Taskforce includes Stephen Kavanagh, Board member and former CEO of Aer Lingus, together with the CEOs of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. The Taskforce is charged with preparing a Tourism Recovery Plan for submission to the Minister which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and report back to the Minister in Q3 of this year.

Full details of all Government supports for workers at this time are available at www.gov.ie, including details on the COVID-19 Income Support Scheme. My Department has agreed a Job Loss Response Protocol with the Department of Employment and Social Protection and the Department of Education and Skills. In this situation of job losses and redundancies, my colleague the Minister Regina Doherty and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is the lead Minister and Department. The protocol puts in place all the efforts to assist the workers who are going to lose their jobs. It includes welfare entitlements, job-search assistance and upskilling needs/opportunities.

This also includes managing relationships with staff unions. The principal actors are the local DEASP officers and local Education and Training Boards. Local staff from Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Local Enterprise Offices have a role in providing intelligence about which local firms are looking for particular skills.

My colleague, Minister Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport may be able to provide a more specific response to your query as the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have primary responsibility for the aviation sector.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (477)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

477. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when beauticians can return to work; the sector specific guidance being provided to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9282/20]

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.  

On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from 18 May. This decision was taken having regard to the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) at the time. 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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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/.

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 under Phase 1 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.

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 informed by the public health advice at the time.

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