Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will take the Deputy's last question first. I meet the enterprise forum every two weeks. The enterprise forum consists of all the representative stakeholders such as IBEC, Chambers Ireland, ISME, the Small Firms Association and the exporters' organisation so I meet all of these bodies. I am on conference calls with them at least every two weeks. I get their feedback and they get feedback from their members. I know the Deputy mentioned the credit guarantee scheme. We have a much more enhanced scheme where the State is covering 80% of the risk. We have legislation to put through the Dáil before that scheme can become active. What is good about it is that it gives businesses certainty. I would say to businesses that the local enterprise offices are there for the business continuity voucher or grant under which businesses get €2,500 that they can use to bring in a planner and look at their financial requirements. In fairness, the banks have given six months of a payment break on the loans and have said they are giving flexibility on overdrafts. I accept that there is a reluctance on the part of businesses to borrow money and I understand that. This is why we have brought in the restart grant, which I will announce tomorrow evening. I think this will make a significant difference. Enterprise Ireland has a range of supports for manufacturing companies. There is a €180 million fund through Enterprise Ireland, which will work with businesses with ten employees upward. It will be able to give these businesses supports and grants through that scheme. The local enterprise office has another suite of supports.

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