Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
143. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if flexibility will be shown when it comes to the requirement for turnover to be over €50,000 in order to qualify for the small business assistance scheme for Covid to ensure that smaller businesses can avail of these supports. [21533/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
You will also know that Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors.
The closing date for receipt of applications for the first phase of the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), has now passed. An announcement in relation to the second phase will take place over the next few weeks.
In relation to the eligibility requirement of €50,000 turnover, it is important to remember that this scheme has been introduced to meet the unavoidable costs that businesses operating from a fixed premises incur whether they are open or not. Analysis carried out for similar schemes has shown that where annual turnover is less than €50,000, then it is likely that most costs will be payroll based. As you know, Government already provides subsidies or other income supports in the form of the EWSS and the PUP.
I continue to urge business owners to seek the supports available. I would also suggest they contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business.
It is important to note that I and my colleagues across Government will continue to keep the range of measures under review.
