Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste. I welcome the news of the Ukraine enterprise crisis scheme. I hope the company to which I referred will be able to access funding under the scheme.

There are incredible challenges right across the business and SME sectors, particularly for companies such as food processors which are using large amounts of gas or electricity and whose business model has been completely destroyed. We need to have a clear strategy in terms of what we are trying to do. I accept, as I am sure does every other Member, that we cannot save every business, but we do need to have a serious look at the businesses that can be saved, particularly those that contribute to Tourism Ireland and our tourism offering. The hospitality and retail sectors are part of that.

I am not sure if the Tánaiste clarified when the TBESS scheme will be open and business will be able to access funding from it. That is what these small businesses need, particularly now. They just need some relief from the bills they are facing.

See this speech in context