Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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190. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports that will be made available to the hospitality sector in circumstances where utility bills continue to increase despite the lockdown of the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2905/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Government is acutely aware of the significant effects on business of the Level 5 restrictions. This decision has been taken in order to reduce transmission of this disease quickly now so we can return to a lower level of the Living with COVID-19 framework.

Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and fiscal measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors including tourism. These measures are in addition to the July Stimulus measures, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Restart Grant Plus, cash for businesses, low cost loans and commercial rates waivers.

In particular, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), offers support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID of up to €5,000 per week to address fixed costs such as those mentioned by the Deputy.