Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have two points to make and would be interested to hear the thoughts of the panel. The first relates to SMEs that have found it difficult to sustain tenancies with landlords during this pandemic. The majority of instances that I have come across over recent months are ones in which landlords have engaged with tenants to come to arrangements to see them through this crisis. However, I am aware of a number of incidents in my constituency where corporate landlords moved quickly to turn the screw on SMEs. One such business owner has had to end a tenancy and find new premises, so on top of trying to cope with the pressures of the pandemic, they now also have to bear the costs associated with finding a new premises and setting up a business again. What advice do our guests have for SMEs that have found themselves in that situation? What supports are there for them? They are feeling abandoned by the Government and representative bodies at the moment.

I agree that demand must be boosted. A large cohort of the population are immunosuppressed or are healthy but nervous and are not ready to go out and engage in the local economy. I went to a barber shop to get my haircut this morning. Every measure had been put in place on the premises. There was a temperature check on arrival and hand sanitisation, and screens had been installed. One of the most decorated barbers in Ireland was not giving haircuts but was spending the day sanitising the premises. It was a wonderful example of a business protecting its workers, customers and future viability.

I heard an example of another business in which an employee turned up with their own face mask to wear in work and was told by his or her employer not to wear it, that it was not allowed. The medical advice about face masks is now beyond reproach and the worker in question wanted to protect his or her customers and fellow workers. If there is a fund going around, I want to make sure that businesses that are protecting their workers and customers, such as the barber shop I was in this morning, will be prioritised and not the businesses that are putting their workers and customers in danger.

I would be interested in Mr. Moran's thoughts and the advice he would give to the small minority of SMEs that may be acting in this way.