Dáil debates

Thursday, 14 May 2020

Covid-19 (Business, Enterprise and Innovation): Statements

 

7:55 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will only take a couple of minutes. First, I congratulate and thank the Minister and her colleagues for the measures already taken in containing the virus, particularly in preparing for the restart of our economy, which is the next most important phase. We need to keep a number of things in mind. First, we tend to refer to the businesses that might not open their doors again. We should refrain from using that phrasing as much as possible because plenty of people, including the lending institutions, will seize upon that opportunity to say that because those people's businesses are no longer viable they do not count. We need to be careful because that will have an ongoing negative impact on our economy at a time when we cannot afford it.

I will briefly mention one of the queries I have received regarding the restart of business and the reopening of pubs, clubs, hotels etc. The one thing that has been brought to my attention is that they need to be given a fair chance to open simultaneously, in order that nobody gets a head start on their neighbour and puts them at a disadvantage. That is a natural thing in business but when the reopening starts it should be done in a way that is fair and equal to all.

The other issue that came to my attention this morning was that of a haulier who has been in business for many years. He is over 70, has his own pension to which he contributed himself, and is a sole trader. He received communication from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to the effect that he could no longer operate. That was a ridiculous decision because he was operating quite well and doing his business the same as he always did, with no impediment to the delivery of his business at all. I ask the Minister to be alert to that kind of thing, which causes unnecessary stress and strain. That businessman has trucks, insurance, tax and his vehicles are now idle just because someone made that decision.

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