Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the business related supports and other assistance available from his Department and agencies under his aegis to a person (details supplied) in relation to a business that has suffered due to a lack of uptake of accommodation in the 2020-2021 academic year due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40948/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pandemic has caused untold damage to people's lives and livelihoods. I know that too many businesses have been severely impacted by the restrictions needed to ensure public health safety during the pandemic. Our response to COVID-19 will continue to assist those businesses affected.
My Department and its agencies have been focused on coming up with solutions to help businesses overcome the difficulties caused by COVID-19. Details of the wide range of supports available are on my Department’s website at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I understand that Minister Simon Harris T.D. has asked our higher education institutions, where they have accommodation, to try to show flexibility in terms of its use for the coming academic year. I hope that that private providers will show the same flexibility, however it is not within my remit to issue instructions in relation to the private rental market.
To ensure the safety of our students and staff in further and higher education, most tuition is taking place online for this semester and the Government is providing financial assistance through a once off €50 million fund.
This measure is in addition to the July Stimulus of enterprise measures. Budget 2021provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help self-employed and vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. The measures in the Budget include the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, the new CRSS scheme, low cost loans, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities.
I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19.
