Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
132. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports a business (details supplied) can avail of in order to support and assist it through Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23090/21]
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 primary COVID-related support scheme for the hospitality sector is the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) from the Revenue Commissioners. If the business in question was not eligible for CRSS because it only began to trade on 4 December last, it may be eligible for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC). The first phase of SBASC closed for applications through the local authorities on 21 April 2021, and late applications are not accepted. However, Phase 1 of the scheme is currently being reviewed and Phase 2 is expected to be launched in the coming weeks. The business should monitor the website of its relevant local authority for updates.
More information on my department's COVID supports can be found on:
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
I would also encourage the business to liaise with their local enterprise office for further support and advice.
Finally, it is important to note that I along with my Government colleagues are continuing to keep government business schemes under review.
