Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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191. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current and potential future business supports available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38028/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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I am acutely aware of the ongoing difficulties that businesses continue to face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I note that the business you refer to has also been impacted by Brexit.

As you know the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small business assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. The level of business supports is unprecedented.

I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what is available to them. Recently the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) has been expanded to include business that were not eligible for phase 1 of the scheme. The scheme now allows businesses who operate from a non-rateable premises and businesses whose turnover is below €50,000 to apply through their Local Authority. The closing date for this scheme is 21st July.

The Government has worked to ensure that there is a range of assistance in place for COVID-19-impacted businesses including the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the Brexit Loan Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme.

I would urge the business you refer to to contact their Local Enterprise Office. They direct businesses to supports that are available to them, they also mentor and offer advice for businesses and in particular they are best placed to offer advice in relation to Brexit supports available.

It is important to note that all businesses supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most.