Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will do my best. I too congratulate the Deputy on his opening address and wish him the best of luck in his tenure in this Dáil representing the people of Wicklow.

On arbitration, the Government does not have a role to play between commercial tenants and their landlords. Nevertheless, I would say to any commercial landlord that it should appreciate the value of keeping a tenant, particularly a commercial one, when we move into a much-changed economy as we exit where we are with Covid-19.

As for a rates write-off, I have put in place, through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, a deferral of rates for a number of months. I accept we will have to look at further ideas, not least in respect of how we can get smaller businesses up and running in the coming period. Part of that relates to the Deputy's subsequent question on social distancing and concerns how we can support smaller businesses, in particular, to open in a way that is social-distancing compliant. The Government is considering that and will look at ways in which we can do it. It is all contingent, however, on public health guidance. As the Taoiseach indicated earlier, it means it may be some time before many businesses can become operational.

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Madigan, announced a set of measures a number of days ago to support the arts sector further. It is the case, unfortunately, that the pandemic unemployment payment is dependent on the applicant having lost work at a particular time, which in turn relates to issues for seasonal workers, for example.

On Debenhams, I understand that the 1977 Act does not indicate that the consultation has to be completed within a period of 30 days. Therefore, the Act may give some of the flexibility the Deputy is looking for. The Workplace Relations Commission is available to deal with matters of this nature.

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