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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Ceisteanna (33)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

33. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has estimated the number and employment profile of indigenous Irish businesses that are at risk of closure due to exclusion from support by the Covid restrictions support scheme while being unable to trade due to Covid-19 restrictions; if there are self-reporting mechanisms for such firms to make themselves known to his Department; if alternative support mechanisms for appeals or other pathways to support are provided through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53107/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the Government have provided a significant package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. Under the new Economic Recovery Plan, a stimulus to fuel the economy of €4 billion was announced, this is intended to aid businesses and the economy to recover and rebuild.

Budget 2022 outlined changes to several of the current financial supports, the EWSS is extended until the end of April 2022, the commercial rates waiver for hospitality, arts, and certain tourism sectors has been extended until end of 2021, the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector was extended until the end August 2022.

The Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC), administered by the 31 local authorities in every county, gave grants to businesses who were not eligible for the Government’s COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), the Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity grant or other direct sectoral grant schemes. This scheme helped businesses with their fixed costs, for example, rent, utility bills, security. This scheme closed on 21st July 2021.

On 6th September, The Minister for Finance announced the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS), to support businesses which were substantially impacted during the pandemic even during periods when restrictions were eased. This support is available to businesses that can demonstrate a significant reduction in trade. The scheme is administered by Revenue with eligible businesses making a claim for an Advance Credit for Trading Expense (ACTE). The BRSS is now open for registration on the Revenue Online Service (ROS). I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what supports are available to them.

The Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) was administered by Revenue and therefore any mechanisms for appeals or requests for information on the scheme applications should be directed to my colleague, Paschal Donohoe T.D., Minister for Finance.

I remain committed to working with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses and to address suitable enterprise measures in the context of the challenges presented by COVID-19 to our economy and our people.

I would also urge businesses to contact their Local Enterprise Offices for advice on other services that may be available to them.

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