Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 30 November 2022

Select Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 32 - Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Supplementary)

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Most of what I wanted to ask has already been covered. Deputy Bruton pointed out that, as we have heard in recent weeks, some of the sectors were having a tougher time than others, particularly retail. Someone selling clothes might not use as much energy as someone selling meat. Constituents have told me that their costs have increased significantly. Is the Department keeping an eye on this issue with the possible aim of adjusting some of the supports, if required? We do not want to see any more businesses going to the wall because of this.

Mention was made of the fishing sector. I understand that fishers get no relief for fuel even though there are fuel reliefs in other areas. Will the Minister of State comment on this? Some fishers have told me that fuel is a significant cost for them. They cannot put out to sea to do their work without support.

It is intriguing to see the ESA being mentioned. The Minister of State might comment on the work it is doing. Perhaps it is an agency that we could invite to appear before us at some stage so that we could learn a little about it. I noted this morning that technologies developed in Ireland were being used to fight off moon dust, which is interesting. It is good to see.

I am interested in the Minister of State's remarks about Enterprise Ireland schemes not being drawn down. Can I take it that, if businesses miss the boat this year, they can come back and draw down funding next year?

I presume that the €550,000 under the humanitarian relief scheme is funding that can be drawn down and used as the year goes on. Where will that fund end? Will the Minister of State give us a timescale for it?