Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
364. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which he remains satisfied that the Covid-19-related support measures already in place are sufficient to meet all identifiable contingencies; if further steps are required to support the economy and protect the consumer against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10588/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlmost €38 billion in fiscal support has been provided by Government to households, businesses and our health service. This is an extraordinary level of budgetary support, representing almost a fifth of national income.
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has supported those who have lost their jobs as a result of this pandemic, with a cost of over €6.5 billion to-date.
We have put in place a comprehensive suite of measures to assist businesses. Over €5 billion has been paid to eligible businesses under the main support scheme, the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme and its predecessor, the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. The Government has also introduced the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme, which provides direct financial support to firms that have had to close due to the public health measures in place. Businesses that are not eligible to avail of this scheme are further supported by the Small Business Assistance Scheme.
These measures are in addition to the wide range of supports provided through Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, and by Local Enterprise Offices.
Going forward, we will continually assess the supports available and ensure that they remain targeted to the sectors most in need. We will also ensure that the existing supports remain in place for as long as they are needed.
