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

As I raised at the General Affairs Council, we have argued that the Commission was given a clear mandate and that it needed to base any instrument on the impact that Covid is having on a particular member state or industry. We believe that the Commission is looking at a pre-Covid economic picture, which is obviously very different. We have argued that point and are not the only country that has done so, and we now have to wait and see.

There will be a series of discussions with Mr. Charles Michel, either face to face or by video conference, before physical meetings of leaders on 17 and 18 July. We will continue to stress that the Commission was given a very clear mandate and that it needs to adhere to it. Obviously, the difference this would make for us would be significant.

With regard to state aid, I am not sure how we compare to other member states. We have a €200 million Covid products scheme. Essentially, it is a targeted State support to develop supports regarding research, innovation, the development of Covid products and the upgrading of testing facilities. There are also various other elements. I can get the Deputy more detail on that and send it directly to her. A package worth €250 million was agreed on 4 June by the Commission to support micro-companies and small companies. I understand there is €450 million so far. How that compares with the funding in other member states, I am not sure. I can certainly get the breakdown for the Deputy.

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