Written answers

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Department of Finance

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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233. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will expand the qualifying criteria for the Covid restrictions support scheme in order that persons (details supplied) who do not have a business premises can avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42541/20]

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of businesses that have applied for the Covid restrictions support scheme to date; the number of applications that have been successful; the value of the financial support by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42786/20]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 239 together.

The CRSS is a targeted support for businesses significantly impacted by restrictions introduced by the Government under public health Regulations to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. It applies to businesses who, under the specific terms of the regulations, are required to prohibit or significantly restrict members of the public from accessing their business premises, with the result that the business is required to temporarily close or to operate at significantly reduced levels. Support provided under CRSS is intended to enable businesses to meet normal fixed costs associated with their business premises such as rent, insurance, utilities and so on, during the period which they are subject to such restrictions. Where a business does not ordinarily operate from a fixed business premises located in a region that is subject to restrictions, such as a photographer, that business will not meet the eligibility criteria.

Deputies will be aware that the Finance Bill is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas and I have no plans to extend eligibility of the scheme.

The CRSS is an additional measure for businesses in a region subject to significant Covid-19 restrictions.Businesses who do not qualify under this scheme may be entitled to support under various measures put in place by Government, including existing supports available under the and the and the range of measures announced as part of Budget 2021 to support  particular sectors including Tourism and live entertainment. They may also be eligible to warehouse VAT and PAYE (Employer) debts and also excess payments received by employers under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, and the balance of Income Tax for 2019 and Preliminary Tax for 2020 for self-assessed taxpayers if applicable. 

Revenue is publishing regular statistical updates on the operation of the Employment Wage Support Scheme (EWSS) and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), which are available at link: .

I am advised that the latest CRSS information by county is published at the above link. These statistics will be updated every Thursday (and published at the same link) with the most recent available data.

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