Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to talk about the new wage scale. If someone was on a different wage agreement before the Covid-19 crisis, can they still be included in the wage-subsidy scheme?

The main issue I raise today relates to dry cleaners and launderettes. There are no specific guidelines, supports or personal protective equipment, PPE, provided to the industry. On the contrary, the Government advised many members of the public not to use the services of dry cleaners and launderettes. The Government did not consult or engage with the industry on the guidelines, nor has it responded to the numerous queries and concerns raised by the industry. That is bizarre, particularly when one considers that the dry cleaning industry is a service regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Dry cleaners and launderettes are specialists at cleaning the general public's laundry and the task is deemed high risk, especially during a pandemic.

Dry cleaners and launderettes provide essential services to various sectors, including hospitality, hair, beauty and fashion, as well as schools and sports clubs, and other businesses that were closed during the lockdown. They are an essential part of the supply chain for these businesses. The pandemic has caused an estimated 50% to 80% loss of turnover to many dry cleaners and launderettes, some of which have had to close. In the past week alone, two such businesses have closed in County Mayo. Dry cleaners and launderettes need to be aligned to the hospitality sector and should be included in any VAT breaks or rescue packages offered to that sector because dry cleaners and laundry staff are highly skilled and many of them have taken years to upskill and train. The impact of losing a staff member or key worker could be the difference between a business staying open or closing.

The wage subsidy scheme needs to be in place for a minimum of one year and schemes and grants must be in place to take on new staff should others become sick because they are in a high-risk category. Those grants and supports should be provided for upskilling and PPE, especially considering the job in question. The industry now requests that all authorities and governing bodies consult and engage with it immediately on guidelines and supports. I ask the Minister of State to look at this issue and see how these businesses can be looked after because I do not want towns like mine to be left without dry cleaners and launderettes. They are essential services.

Grant aid is extremely urgent. I know the Minister of State is aware of that but the money must take the quickest possible route to these small businesses. We are talking about businesses that need the money in a matter of days or weeks. Some businesses have already closed down and will not be reopening.

We also need to get that money to smaller businesses. I am finding that smaller businesses and new start-up businesses have been unable to avail of the rates scheme that was put in place with a minimum grant €2,000. Many self-employed people, smaller businesses and new start-ups have been excluded from that grant. I ask the Minister of State to bring those people into the circle. They are talking about small sums of money, not large ones, to help with their cash flow and provide new equipment that they need to purchase at this time.

See this speech in context