Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support the inclusion in the CRSS of businesses that do not operate from fixed premises, such as event management businesses, companies that are part of the supply chain such as taxis and, in fact, all companies that are not public-facing.

I too read the Tánaiste's article in the Business Postwhere he stated that he would look at further supports for businesses. We are ten months into this pandemic. If a scheme that the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, estimated would cost €80 million per week is costing €15 million per week it is not reasonable to say, as the Tánaiste did, that the Government is looking at new supports. These businesses need supports now.

An example of the many companies that have contacted me is Drino Drinks Ltd, a Leitrim drinks wholesaler and family business for more than 60 years. Fourteen members of staff cannot access this fund. They have a premises but they are wholesalers. Their customers are closed since March last. The majority of their work is delivery. They cannot access the EWSS or CRSS. Another company, a wedding band company, cannot access these supports yet it has ongoing costs, such as vehicle insurance. They will have to sell their musical instruments to keep going. The Minister has done good work but there is a gaping hole in the supports available to these businesses and he can help to fill it.

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