Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too acknowledge the extension of these schemes until the end of June. I would like to see them extended but at least it is tús maith leath na hoibre. I thank the local authority officials and, indeed, the social welfare officials and the Minister's officials who have worked on these schemes for businesses which, through no fault of their own, found themselves in the situation of being forced to close by Government regulations.

I acknowledge that but the schemes are very rigid. At this stage, we should be able to tweak them. Applicants must have a turnover of €50,000 to avail of some of the schemes which is just far too high for some small, self-employed people. There are so many such people, including the man with the van, taxi drivers, self-employed lorry drivers, hairdressers, barbers and so on. The situation is particularly difficult for clothing retailers. They have stock from two winters, from spring, summer and autumn of last year as well as spring of this year. All of that stock is still there and they cannot get rid of it. We are talking about some wonderful businesses and we need to look after them.

There is a large cohort of business people who do not have a rateable premises. I already referred to the man with the van and lorry drivers. This cohort also includes artists and wonderful entertainers who give us so much joy and so much tuition and support, which is so important for people's mental health in these difficult times. There are many such people but they get no allowance. They are self-employed. They might have a machine for hire, a tractor, a lorry or a van but because they do not have a rateable premises, they are ruled out. A year or 13 months on, we need to be able to tweak these schemes as well as extend them because large cohorts of people are being left out. The tourism industry, including motor coach drivers, is being left behind. Many dance teachers and dance schools have not received a bob either. The schemes need to be tweaked. I do not know for how much longer we will be in this situation but I am appealing to the Minister and the Government to adapt the schemes. When churches were open, only 50 people were allowed inside, no matter the size of the church but one size does not fit all. Another group being left behind are those bookmakers who do not have premises but who take bets at race courses. They have been denied any help and have not received aon phingin amháin. There are so many areas that need to be looked at. I know it is not easy but we need to widen the net and be fair to everybody. Fáilte Ireland is not distributing money for the music industry fairly either.

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