Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Ceisteanna (360)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

360. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the Enterprise Ireland Covid-19 business financial planning grant could be extended to primary sector activity to ensure cash flow management support in view of the ending of the Bord Bia Covid-19 response marketing support package and the findings in a report compiled by an organisation (details supplied) highlighting the concerns in the areas of financial management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11718/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Enterprise Ireland’s COVID-19 Business Financial Planning Grant is available to all clients of Enterprise Ireland. This includes any food manufacturing company that employs more than 10 people. However, if the “primary sector” reference means farmers or growers, then they would not be eligible clients of Enterprise Ireland and so could not avail of this support under the agency’s mandate.

Bord Bia’s remit is wider than Enterprise Ireland’s with regard to working with the primary sector, for example they work with the farming community on Quality Assurance schemes, Origin Green etc and with the horticulture sector in a wider capacity.