Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 22 November 2023
Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach
Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 11 – Office of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Supplementary)
Vote 12 – Superannuation and Retired Allowances (Supplementary)
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Supplementary)
Vote 14 – State Laboratory (Supplementary)
Vote 17 – Public Appointments Service (Supplementary)
Vote 18 – National Shared Services Office (Supplementary)
Vote 43 – Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (Supplementary)
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source
Yes, the business scheme is being administered through the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is my understanding that the first of those payments have been issued based on photographic evidence and other means being provided by individual business owners and local authorities. The Irish Red Cross has been at pains to point out that the money should be issued as quickly as possible. It is neither a bureaucratic nor a cumbersome process for people. As a Government we are conscious to ensure this particularly for people who have lost stock in the run-up to Christmas. Midleton is a thriving market town and has a fabulous community built around it. I could see on the day I walked the streets in the sewage with local Deputy, David Stanton, and others that is resilient. Last Saturday evening the Christmas lights were turned on there showing that the town is open for business. I encourage people who are yet to receive help to engage with the Department of Social Protection or the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
No comments