Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am not discounting what the Deputy says. That is why we have put in place €1.2 billion in funding under TBESS. It is explained very well on the Revenue Commissioners' website. There is also SCARP, which will give small companies time to restructure the kind of finances and loans the Deputy spoke about. The Government put in place extraordinary supports for businesses, particularly small businesses, during the Covid pandemic and will not walk away from businesses amidst the current challenges. As soon as we get the Finance Bill passed, we will be in a position to begin administering TBESS to companies like those described by the Deputy.

I have accepted a meeting request with the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland sent to me by Senator Fitzpatrick. I will be hearing from them all over the country, similar to those in Tipperary. I assure the Deputy that the Government has put supports in place, is committed to our small business and small food sector and that commitment is real.

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