Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach very much indeed. I rise today to speak about the fact that I have been contacted by so many small businesses. The months of January and February are a very lean time for businesses. There is much concern out there, especially with businesses in the hospitality trade. There are an awful lot of extra costs be it the minimum wage, the sick pay scheme or auto-enrolment. Many things happen together in January. Businesses are finding it really tough.

I know the Government planned on putting a business relief scheme in place. I would like the Minister to come into the Chamber explain that because people are not aware of what is out there or of grants they can access. Certainly, it is something we should debate. It is important. While the Government is doing the right thing in terms of the minimum wage, etc., it is just that business owners cannot sustain it all happening at one time. I believe that into the future it should be on a staggered basis. Not all the costs should be inflicted on the employer, especially the smaller employers because they are the ones who are finding this the hardest. Certainly, small businesses have had much to contend with given what happened with Covid-19 and so on. They are only getting back on their feet and now these extra costs have been placed upon them all starting from the month of January. We have to have a proper debate about what can happen and what supports we can actually give to businesses going forward. It is really important to get that out there for businesses to survive.