Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is an economy-wide enterprise support that provides a flat rate subsidy to qualifying employers based on the numbers of eligible employees on their payrolls. The EWSS replaced the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which ceased on 31 August 2020.

The EWSS has been a key component of the Government’s response to the continued Covid-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in the midst of these very challenging times. To date, payments of over €3.2 billion and PRSI credit of over €540 million have been granted to 49,500 employers in respect of 570,000 workers.

To be eligible for EWSS, an employer must have tax clearance for the duration of the scheme and be able to demonstrate that turnover or customer orders have declined by at least 30% due to the disruption caused by COVID-19.

I am advised by Revenue that the business in question commenced trading in June 2019 and as such was required to confirm the minimum 30% reduction in turnover or customer orders in respect of 2020 pay dates when compared with the period 1 July 2019 to December 2019 and in respect of 2021 pay dates by comparison with projected calculations for 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021.

The information provided by the business to Revenue in respect of 2020 confirmed a reduction in turnover of 19%, thereby rendering it ineligible for the EWSS for this period. The information provided in respect of 2021 is incomplete, so Revenue is unable to confirm the employer’s eligibility for the EWSS for this period. Revenue will review the position once the required information is provided and is in discussions with the business’ tax advisor regarding the matter.

For those businesses who may need additional support during this period, I would draw attention to the comprehensive package of other business and employer supports that have been made available since the July Stimulus Plan, Budget 2021 - including the Covid Restriction Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, Sustaining Enterprise Fund, and the Covid-19 Business Loans Scheme.

The Government remains fully committed to supporting businesses and employers insofar as is possible at this time.