Mr. Padraig Cribben:

We have had engagement with the Department responsible for tourism and we have also had substantial engagement with the Department responsible for enterprise, including with the Minister and the Secretary General, and with other Departments. The clear message coming back was that the July stimulus package would determine what was going to be done, and how. That has been coming back very clearly but there is possibly a lack of understanding of what is required specifically for the SME sector. We are dealing with very small businesses. As I stated in my presentation, 78% of businesses in the pub sector have an annual turnover of less than €390,000 from alcohol. The concept of credit guarantee schemes involving interest rates of around 4% does not reflect what is needed in the SME sector. I agree with Mr. Cummins that what are needed are grants because the grant aid, while welcome and acceptable, is insufficient in terms of a refund, rebate or the equivalent of the 2019 rates.