Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the work that her, her team and her Department are doing. A huge amount of support has been provided to the business community and employees from the State. What people want to know next is how can their business get going again and how can they start. Obviously, we know it will not be a matter of flicking on a switch and that it will be gradual and that businesses will not be operating at full capacity when they do start. We need to take a number of issues into consideration. I know some of these areas do not come under the Minister's remit but in terms of the viability of businesses we need to look at rates and charges flexibility as well as continued supports and flexibility from our banks. We need to look at the issue of VAT, in particular for our hospitality and tourism sectors. There is also the issue of commercial rents. We need to continue to try to transform and address the issue of insurance.

I have heard several proposals, many of which have been raised already by Deputies, that aim to provide support to businesses directly from the Department. Such supports could be in the form of a re-start grant, working capital loan or re-employment incentives. Perhaps these could be linked with our employment scheme currently in operation as well as supports for seasonal workers. Can the Minister assure me that in putting forward a roadmap and making sure we are providing as much financial and other supports to businesses that she will take all of these into consideration?

While the Minister might not be able to give an answer in detail, can she confirm that the Department is still working on the potential consequences of Brexit? While we hope that there will be an agreement to extend the transition period, it has not happened yet. While the current crisis is Covid-19, Brexit is still on the horizon.

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