Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
502. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason for the exclusion of credit unions from accessing the trading online voucher scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10125/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Trading Online Voucher Scheme is funded by my department and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and delivered nationwide in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the 31 LEOs. The Scheme offers skills training, mentoring and a grant of up to €2,500 to help small and micro-businesses (10 or less employees, turnover of less than €2m and which have been registered and trading for at least 6 months) to develop their ecommerce capability. With up to 70% of Ireland’s annual online spend historically going overseas, targeting Irish small and micro-businesses for trading online is a key jobs and economic imperative, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Scheme aims to encourage and support such businesses in developing their online trading presence so that they can reach new markets, sustain and grow their business, retain and employ more people and export more.
Credit Unions do not fall within this enterprise ambit and as such are ineligible to apply under the Scheme.
