Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

From our previous conversations, the Minister knows the stories I have relayed to her from businesses in Kildare and Laois, as well as my dealings with the Irish SME Association, Chambers Ireland, County Kildare Chamber and others regarding the challenges that businesses face right now. The Minister has talked about a reboot phase during which we get business back up and running, and the roadmap for businesses will be critical. A next stage of supports for businesses is required.

What can businesses do now? Many businesses need to reopen and want to prepare for that. Business owners are contacting each Member of this House to ask what can they do at this time to prepare for reopening. I think in particular about lessons that might be learned from the retail sector that has stayed open, and I have due regard to all the staff who have allowed that to happen and provided a vital service for our country. What lessons can be learned by businesses that are now closed? What can business owners do while their businesses are closed to ensure they are best prepared for being able to be open with social distancing and all the measures that are required?

Small businesses are having to change and adapt. Online sales have sky-rocketed during the crisis. What supports are available for the online activities of small businesses? What level of interest has there been in the applications for loans of up to €50,000 from Microfinance Ireland in recent times?

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