Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
102. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if the stay and spend scheme will be expanded to include takeaway meals in view of the recently announced restrictions on indoor dining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29965/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Stay and Spend scheme provides tax relief by means of a tax credit at the rate of 20% on qualifying expenditure of up to €625 per person, or €1,250 for a jointly assessed couple, in respect of 2020 and 2021. The tax credit is worth a maximum of €125, or €250 for a jointly assessed couple.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Stay and Spend scheme is just one of a broad range of measures to support various sectors, including hospitality, at this time. The purpose of the Stay and Spend scheme is to provide targeted support to businesses within the hospitality sector whose operations are likely to be most affected by continued restrictions. While I appreciate the point raised by the Deputy, food and drink service providers which operate on a take-away basis are not expected to be as heavily affected by the current restrictions as service providers offering ‘dine-in’ food and drink services and so would not fall within the particular objectives of the scheme.
