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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Ceisteanna (23)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

23. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 422 of 16 June 2020, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that not all tradespersons continued to operate as a result of Covid-19; if such persons can apply for the restart grant in view of the fact they are returning to their work the same as the self-employed and businesses that pay rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13986/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for commercial firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help those businesses to continue trading and to maintain employment.

This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time and the measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise. They are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.

Specifically with regard to tradespersons who do not operate from rateable premises and are thus ineligible for the Restart Grant, I wish to advise the deputy on June 25th it was announced that the Department of Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant.

The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.

All Covid 19 business supports and Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate, including adaptations to the phased opening of our economy. In that regard, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19. Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework. Any suggestions the Deputy has in this regard would be welcomed.

Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

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