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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Ceisteanna (165)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

165. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which his Department has engaged with businesses experiencing rent disputes as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25688/21]

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Freagraí scríofa

These are difficult times and I am aware that some businesses are concerned that some landlords are continuing to insist on the payment of rents and leases as normal despite their premises being closed.

The issue of commercial rents is primarily a contractual matter for the parties involved. However, the Government has urged landlords and tenants to talk to one another and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. With this in mind, on 1st October 2020, I published the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents. The aim of the voluntary Code is to facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19. It sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together.

However, this Code should not be seen in isolation. To date, a range of supports have been developed for businesses, including the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), wage subsidies, a commercial rates holiday, low-cost loans, and a VAT reduction. I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined if they have not already done so. I would also suggest that small business owners contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business. Details of the Code of Conduct and the wide range of supports available for business are on my Department’s website.

The Programme for Government identified a number of groups to support the formulation of policy responses at the different stages of the COVID-19 recovery. This included an SME and State Bodies Group. The objective of convening the SME and State Bodies Group is to provide a platform for dialogue on the current and potential future COVID-19 related challenges facing our SMEs, which will inform Government’s ongoing response to COVID-19 for SMEs. I jointly chair this Group with the Minister for Finance. The Group consists of representation from a range of invited business representative bodies (for example, IBEC, ISME, SFA, and Chambers Ireland), the Central Bank, Government Departments and Government Agencies.

Minister English also regularly meets with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail, grocery, and distribution sector to discuss key concerns for the retail sector, which at times has included issues around commercial rents.

The Government is committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible survive this challenging period, and it will continue to look at how we can help businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. 

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