The Government has announced a range of new supports for businesses following the introduction of tightened Covid-19 restrictions for the coming weeks.
As a result of the new measures, designed to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant, the Government plans to spend around €200 million on business and employer supports in January alone.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) has re-opened for new applicants in the hospitality and arts sectors.
If you are an employee or self-employed & you have been instructed by your doctor or the HSE to self-isolate because of #Covid19, you may qualify for Enhanced Illness Benefit.
It’s paid at €350 per week & it’s payable from day 1.
Further info here: https://t.co/WPfKq9yKX5 pic.twitter.com/6iNHlrPM6l— Department of Social Protection (@welfare_ie) December 21, 2021
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He also confirmed the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) will be available to all hospitality businesses that have made the decision to close their doors, rather than stay open, due to the new restrictions.
This will be the case if businesses decide it is not “practical” or does not “cover the cost” to stay open.
He said that funding will be provided to businesses that can and choose to stay open, but have a drop in turnover to 40 per cent of the previous level.
He urged business owners: “Please keep your staff on the payroll, if at all possible.”
Mr Varadkar said the hospitality and arts sector will need to still be there come spring and summer, as ministers promise better days ahead once the Omicron wave has passed.
“You are not in any way to blame for this pandemic,” he told businesses.
Today’s ECDC data for booster uptake across EU Member States for those aged 18+. Ireland currently in 2nd position.#VaccinesWork#ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/0Ry4tzQpMg
— Brian MacCraith (@muirtheimhne) December 20, 2021
“The Government is on your side. We are here to support you.”
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe added new changes to the eligibility criteria for the EWSS will provide greater support to a wider range of businesses.
New restrictions came into effect at midnight on Sunday, including an 8pm curfew on hospitality. Public health officials have also urged people to rethink their Christmas plans due to concerns over the transmission of the Omicron variant.
Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath said the measures would help thousands of people retain employment, telling Tuesday's briefing: “The public health restrictions announced after last Friday’s Cabinet meeting are not ones that any Government would want to announce before Christmas.”
He acknowledged the restrictions had caused “anxiety and despair” for many workers and business owners and said that many people were expected to lose their jobs.
It is, he said, “imperative that we act swiftly to deal with the real-world consequences of the public health measures”.
