Written answers

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Department of Finance

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

49. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider an extension of Covid-19 pandemic support schemes to aid those in the photography and videography business sector until such time as the sector can sustainably recover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13149/20]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is provided for in section 28 of the recently enacted Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 (The Act) and is being extended until the end of August. 

The underlying legislation and the TWSS itself were developed having regard to the Government objective of providing assistance to employers and employees, where businesses have been seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions which were introduced as a result. The scheme is available to eligible employers across all sectors, excluding the Public Service and Non-Commercial Semi-State Sector. This includes businesses that have closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions and those that continue to operate and employ their workforce. The sector to which the Deputy refers is no different in this regard.

The Government decided on 5 June 2020 to extend the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) until the end of August.The intention is to continue to monitor the scheme closely in the coming period.I expect that decisions will be taken at an appropriate time on next steps for the TWSS beyond end-August.  In this regard, I acknowledge that certain sectors will face particular challenges into the future as we re-open our economy, and this is one of many factors that will inform such future decisions.

In relation to other direct support measures, I would draw the Deputys' attention to a recent publication by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, which outlines the key financial supports and resources that are being made available to help all businesses and sectors impacted by Covid-19. This publication is available at the following link: 

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.