Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his very comprehensive answer. There are many things beyond our control but a number of things are within our control. One of these is controlling the pandemic. Deputies on this side of the House are also active in telling people to obey the rules to try to push back the virus and reopen employment. We also encourage people to spend money locally in towns and villages to keep people in work. This is not about protectionism or isolationism. It is very important.

I welcome the Tánaiste's comment that businesses will have access for a second time to the online voucher scheme. That is very good. The reason I raise the scheme is that more work is needed to promote it. I am aware of it and I tell people about it and encourage them to take it up. Some have done so and some have not done so. There is still reticence among older traders to do this. It is important that we continue to promote the scheme.

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