Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. I have a real fear as to what might be happening or what will happen in the commercial leasing sector as we continue in this emergency period. Unfortunately, we are not able to go out and live the lives we used to live, and that might have an impact on businesses in their ability to stay afloat during this emergency period or even get back on their feet once the initial emergency period has lifted. Commercial leases, as the Deputy will know, come under the remit of the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. I have discussed this matter with her and I know she is paying close attention to it. We are trying to do everything we can on the Government side to help small businesses on our main streets survive through this emergency period and get back open and back up on their feet. The rates waiver I mentioned and the restart fund, which I know the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, will have an opportunity to address next week, are a part of that. Rents, however, are also a big part of it, and it is very disappointing to see some businesses we know very well having to close because they have not been able to come to such agreements with their landlords. This is a time when people are meant to be pulling together. Obviously, a successful landlord needs good tenants. It is the same in the residential sector as it is in the commercial sector. It should be possible to reach agreements. We are doing everything we can with different funding streams for small businesses. The rates part falls under my Department's remit. I think the deferment has been well received but we are keeping an eye on it to make sure it will continue as needed and local authorities will not be short any funding as a result.

See this speech in context