Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There are opportunities here that we ought to use to try to drive better social and economic outcomes in light of the level of investment the State is undertaking in the private sector at the moment.

I refer to two amendments to which Deputy Doherty also made general reference earlier. Amendment No. 21 in my name has been ruled out of order. It relates to enabling businesses that do not operate from fixed premises and are not rateable properties to access the CRSS. I used the example of on-course bookmakers and market stall holders. These are companies that would have a relationship with a local authority in some cases and in the case of on-course bookmakers with individual racecourses administered by Horse Racing Ireland. They pay significant sums in lease and rental agreements, which would be documented by Horse Racing Ireland, but are not in a position to access this scheme. Their businesses have been very badly hit by the pandemic for obvious reasons. I used these two sectors to illustrate a broader point about the nature of the businesses that have been excluded from this scheme. I would appreciate the Minister's comments on that matter.

Another amendment that was ruled out of order relates to issues to do with wholesalers supplying the hospitality sector. I referenced this in my contribution on Second Stage the week before last. Warehouse suppliers that provide important supplies to the hospitality sector, which is of course operating at a lower level at the moment, meet all the eligibility thresholds for the CRSS except the one to do with public access. This has been raised with the Minister's office by Chambers Ireland. It is a real issue and needs to be addressed, although my amendment on it has been ruled out of order.