The government has greenlit a number of changes to the support schemes made available to businesses affected by the latest COVID restrictions.
Changes will be made to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), and the tax debt warehousing scheme in an effort to expand the supports available to businesses affected.
Changes to Business Support Schemes
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD said:
“Since the start of the pandemic we have aimed to minimise the loss of life, protect the health service and save as many jobs and businesses as possible. This new package will protect jobs and businesses adversely affected by the recent COVID restrictions.
“The EWSS will open to some new businesses and reopen to businesses which had been able to come off the subsidy but are now back in difficulty. The rules for the CRSS will be relaxed so that many more businesses, whose turnover is down due to government regulations, can receive the payment. It will also be paid to affected business that decide to close because they can operate viably with restricted hours. Separately, tax warehousing will be extended into the first quarter of 2022 which is another really important measure in terms of cash flow.
“We’ve already extended the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to the end of January at the full rate to help pay the wages and encourage employers to keep people on the payroll. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been reopened to new entrants and re-entrants who cannot work due to restrictions. We have introduced sectoral schemes for aviation, sporting bodies and the arts. We know these are really difficult times for many businesses, but as we approach the end of 2021, I want to thank Irish companies for co-operating with the public health advice, for keeping the public and their own staff safe, and for your perseverance in the face of a relentless pandemic.”
The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD said:
“The government recognises that these restrictions come at a bad time for businesses in the hospitality sector and is putting changes in place that will provide supports equivalent to that which was in place during Level 5 restrictions earlier this year.
“I intend that the legislative aspects associated with the revised arrangements for EWSS, CRSS and the tax debt warehousing scheme will be addressed by primary legislation in early 2022. In the meantime, the Revenue Commissioners have confirmed to me that they can operate the revised arrangements on an administrative basis pending the legislation.
“The government has always committed that there will be no cliff-edge to supports for businesses while accepting that such supports cannot continue indefinitely. The changes agreed today by Government will help the hospitality sector at a time when it is most vulnerable.”
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD said:
“I fully recognise that the public health restrictions which have been put in place represent an enormous challenge for businesses and employees throughout the country.
“This is a hugely important time of the year for the hospitality and entertainment sectors, and restrictions on their ability to trade in a normal way require a comprehensive response on the part of Government. I believe we have acted quickly and appropriately to assist businesses, and we are committed to continuing supports in line with the evolving public health situation.
“It is vitally important for employers to maintain links with workers and we would urge them to keep the workers in employment wherever possible. I appreciate that these supports are not a substitute for normal activity but they will assist businesses to get through this difficult period and be in a position to benefit from the removal of restrictions at the earliest possible date.”
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