Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The key focus of any grant, assistance around lending or other help provided to businesses to cope with the Covid-19 crisis is sustaining jobs and vulnerable but viable businesses. We referred to this last week. Our number one focus is helping businesses to survive and keep their doors open and then to thrive thereafter as well. That is the main focus but there are links to tax compliance in all the various grants, funds and opportunities given out by local enterprise offices, LEOs, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the local authorities. Applicants have to show they have a tax certificate before the money is drawn down.

Labour Court recommendations, which are not always legally binding, and outstanding Workplace Relations Commission awards are not linked to the drawdown of grants. They are generally enforced by other sectors rather than Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland or the local authorities. There is other legislation to protect that area and those organisations do not track it.

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