Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
365. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will consider grant aid for businesses that pay rates as part of their rent; if she will consider providing grant aid to businesses thatneed to secure PPE and Perspex screening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11769/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra380. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to provide grant funding for small businesses that need to purchase hygiene equipment and clear plastic screening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12188/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 380 together.
On Friday, 15th May, 2020, the Government decided to establish a new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.
The scheme will provide funding to enable small and micro business reconnect with their employees and customer base by helping to defray ongoing fixed costs and the costs associated with re-launching the business which may include the installation of Perspex screens and the costs associated with purchasing PPE.
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 50 people or less
2. have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover between 1 April and 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
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.
Where a property is rented and the landlord is paying the rates it is the tenant that is entitled to the grant, as the support is for restarting the business operating in the premises and the grant applied is the equivalent of the 2019 rates on the property.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities.
