Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government does not include any commitment to interest-free loans or new grants. There is only one Covid specific grant, the restart grant, which IBEC estimates to be worth on average €3,000 per firm, a minuscule amount in comparison with what other jurisdictions have provided as a restart grant for small and medium-sized businesses. I have spoken to small and medium-sized businesses and the various sectors and the greatest demand is for grant aid. Given that and in light of the costs involved in restarting businesses, is Mr. Moran disappointed that the programme for Government does not include specific interest-free loans or new grants?