Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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94. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans in relation to the continuity of Covid-19 business supports as business reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43798/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Government have provided a significant package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. Under the new Economic Recovery Plan, a stimulus to fuel the economy of €4 billion was announced, this is intended to aid businesses and the economy to recover and rebuild.

The Plan outlined changes to several of the current financial supports, the EWSS is extended until the end of 2021, the commercial rates waiver will continue until 30 September 2021, the 9% VAT rate was extended until the 1 September 2022, tax debt warehousing scheme is extended until the end of the year and will be interest free in 2022 and the CRSS will remain in place for businesses that have to stay closed.

The new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS), announced by the Minister for Finance on the 6th of September, supports businesses which were substantially impacted during the pandemic even during periods when restrictions were eased. This support is available to businesses that can demonstrate a significant reduction in trade. The scheme is administered by Revenue with eligible businesses making a claim for an Advance Credit for Trading Expense (ACTE). The BRSS is now open for registration on the Revenue Online Service (ROS). I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what supports are available to them.

I remain committed to working with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses and to address suitable enterprise measures in the context of the challenges presented by COVID-19 to our economy and our people.

I would also urge businesses to contact their Local Enterprise Offices for advice on other non-financial services such as mentoring or online courses that may be available to them.