Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an díospóireacht seo. Ní raibh go leor ama againn, i ndáiríre, nuair a bhí an buiséad ann chun labhairt faoi. Tugadh dhá nóiméad domsa ar a naoi a chlog oíche Déardaoin. Tá sé an-sásúil, má tá an t-am againn, go bhfuil an deis ag gnáth Bhaill na Dála labhairt ar feadh deich nóiméad, más mian leo, ar rudaí tábhachtacha cosúil leis an mbuiséad agus leis an mBille seo.

This is a very important debate. The Bill gives effect to the budget, which governs how the State will be financed and run, as far as taxation and supports for communities and businesses are concerned, for the next 12 months. What is particularly important at this time in the Bill is the recognition that Covid is dominant in the thinking of the Government and the Opposition, and indeed right throughout the world, and that it has had a hugely complex impact on all aspects of our society. It is, unfortunately, responsible for us all being this very day on level 5 in Ireland, with tens of thousands of people unable to work and businesses in a very difficult trading position, some of them facing actions from banks, creditors and so on. Therefore, the supports in the Bill and the budget for businesses are hugely important.

In particular, the Covid restriction subsidy scheme is a lifesaver for many businesses. It is not the be-all and end-all but it means something to the businesses that have been significantly and adversely impacted in terms of the volume of business they have been able to carry out. Initially, in the budget, the threshold was at least 80%. I welcome the threshold now being reduced in the Bill to 75%. It will really support more businesses. It is hugely important that the enterprise culture in this country is supported fully. Over the years there has been a much greater recognition of the risk people take on in setting up their businesses. It is important that when we reach a huge national and international crisis such as Covid, the supports are definitely there. I am aware of many businesses in my town that have applied for this subsidy and they very much welcome it. The employment wage subsidy scheme is also hugely important, as was the PUP. I think it has given confidence to people and businesses, notwithstanding the very difficult position they are in, that there is a breathing space. It is really keeping the wolves from the door. It is dealing with the debts they have that they cannot meet because they have no income. It helps to relieve some of that pressure.

It is not in itself the only answer, however. The answer is the population taking on board all the protocols to reduce the transfer of Covid and not taking the risks that, unfortunately, some of us took. We drove the R-nought well below 1 - I think it was below 0.5 earlier this year - but it has, unfortunately, climbed back up again. I welcome very much the significant reduction achieved, notwithstanding the fact that no death is acceptable, obviously. There are significant changes taking place as we speak, and I welcome that.

I also welcome the support the State is giving in committing to not reducing the rate of corporation tax. We are all focused at the moment on the American presidential election. Mr. Biden has my support. I know he has the support of my family living in the United States. Mr. Biden hails originally from County Louth. His mother's family were Finnegans from Cooley, and we are all very proud that he has his foot on the threshold and hopefully-----

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