Dáil debates

Thursday, 28 May 2020

Estimates for Public Services 2020 (Resumed)

 

7:05 pm

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy but, unfortunately, neither of the issues he raised relates directly to my Department. However, he made very valid points. He is not the first to raise the Safe Pass today, or perhaps he might have raised it with the Minister for Finance earlier when I was listening. I will raise it tomorrow with the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and ensure we can find a way to do that. We should be doing anything that can encourage people back to work.

Second, a number of weeks ago the Cabinet signed off on substantial help for businesses. It was €6 billion worth of loans where the applications have nothing to do with banks, as I appreciate that there might be some difficulties for people, as the Deputy said. In addition, there are the €250 million in restart grants to repay people some of the commercial rates they would have paid last year and give them a credit for the commercial rates they should have incurred for the three months they were closed. However, I will raise that with my Cabinet colleagues tomorrow and I might send the Deputy a written note at the beginning of next week.

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