Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has called for strong state financial support for small and medium enterprises as they emerge from the uncertainty of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “We need to ensure we help maintain viable business and employment and provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible.
“The Covid restrictions support scheme, CRSS, is a good and essential support to businesses that have witnessed a major reduction in their turnover. Again, the EWSS supports employment and supports employers to maintain the link with the employee.”
The Cavan Monaghan TD continued: “I welcome the fact the small business assistance scheme, SBAS, was introduced last month. In quarter 1, that will allow a maximum payment of €4,000 to companies, the self-employed, sole traders and partnerships. I have raised a number of queries with regard to this particular scheme.
“I am aware of a number of business owners who were deemed ineligible for this new scheme due to having claimed under the CRSS. The amount received was much lower than what they would receive under the SBAS.”
Deputy Smith added: “I would like the Minister to look at this again with his colleagues across Government. Such businesses, which will struggle to remain open in the future, should be allowed to avail of the SBAS. Some of the applicants availing of a very small CRSS payment were not aware of the small businesses assistance scheme when claiming under the other schemes. They are small traders and one-person enterprises. Those are the types of business that populate the main streets in our smaller towns and villages.
“I appeal for Government to place a particular emphasis on and give particular assistance to the smaller-scale businesses in order that they can develop an online presence and help in protecting employment,” concluded Deputy Smith.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed a commitment by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to advance the Peace Plus Programme which will bring further investment to communities North and South.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “Minister McGrath confirmed to me in Dáil Éireann that the public consultation on the draft Peace Plus Programme is nearing a conclusion and it is intended to bring the draft programme for approval by both the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive and then submit it to the European Commission for final approval.
“I have consistently outlined in Dáil Éireann and through parliamentary committees the need to have a well-funded Peace Plus Programme to build upon the good work of the PEACE and INTERREG Programmes. Those programmes brought much needed investment in social and economic terms to many disadvantaged communities in the border region and in Northern Ireland.”
The Cavan Monaghan TD continued: “We need well-resourced and robust programmes to deal with social and economic deprivation in different communities. Such investment benefits society and provides educational and employment opportunities particularly for young people.”
Deputy Brendan Smith added: “Recent weeks demonstrated to us again the absolute need to build on the great progress achieved through the Good Friday Agreement. I have also asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and with the British Government to resolve outstanding issues arising from Brexit and to implement in full the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol. Disruptions to trade and business in any part of our island impacts negatively on all of the country.
“Communities and businesses will also have the opportunity to avail of funding through the recently announced Shared Island initiative. We need to continue to build the all-island economy which has the potential to bring further benefits and a much stronger economy both North and South,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed the launch of a new five-year Apprenticeship Action Plan.
The Action Plan sets out a five-year strategy to deliver on the programme for Government commitment of reaching 10,000 new apprentice registrations per year by 2025.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “As we know, everyone learns in different ways and this plan provides a roadmap to a single apprenticeship system and new supports for both employers and apprentices.”
The plan will also:
· Create a new National Apprenticeship Office to drive reforms;
· A new grant for employers, with a top-up grant for areas of identified national skills needs and/or targeted recruitment of underrepresented groups such as female apprentices, or lone-parents, people with disabilities, or members of the Travelling community;
· Non-financial supports targeted to SMEs in areas such as recruitment and supervision of apprentices;
· Set targets for the public sector to take on apprentices and to create cross-sector apprentices;
· Examine the potential development of new cross-border apprentice programmes and support apprentice engagement in international programmes such as Erasmus.
Deputy Smith added: “Having equal access to apprenticeships is a big part of this action plan. So irrespective of background, gender or age, apprenticeships should be an option for all.
“This action plan has the opportunity to transform this area of our third level education system and will benefit the learner and the employer.”
Speaking today, party colleague and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins said: “This action plan is based on feedback from enterprise, the education and training sector and apprentices themselves.
“It builds on the apprenticeship system in Ireland, including the strong relationships between employers and the education and training sector and the established collaborative approach between the further and higher education sectors in managing and delivering apprenticeship.
“This Plan will make it easier for employers and apprentices to engage with apprenticeship, supporting and driving innovation in the workplace through responsive and topical programmes.”
The Plan also requires public sector employers to increase the level of apprentice recruitment to the public sector to reach 750 new apprentice registrations per annum by 2025.
I welcome the allocation of substantial funding for local projects in Cavan and Monaghan under the Government’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
This funding will enable –
Development of tourism facilities and a remote working hub at the Market House Ballyconnell with grant aid of €794,700
Development of a Visitor Centre in Bailieborough including remote working and youth facilities with grant aid of €1.4million
Development of Enterprise Hub in Carrickmacross with grant aid of €3.1 million
Development of Enterprise Hub in Newbliss with grant aid of €1.39million.
These approvals are very welcome and will enhance considerably local infrastructure and assist in much needed job creation. Renovating and modernising old buildings will bring worthwhile benefits to town centres. Some years ago I was very glad that the then Minister for Defence responded positively to my representations to hand over the Market House in Ballyconnell to Cavan County Council and we will see this strategic building put to good use again.
These decisions reflect the commitments outlined in the government’s recently published rural development policy. I compliment our local authorities and Community Groups in advancing these projects to this stage, ” stated Brendan Smith TD.
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the allocation of government funding for the Leader Programme.
“Funding of €2.5 million has been allocated to Cavan and €2.24 million for Monaghan. LEADER funding represents an opportunity for rural businesses and communities that are in need of investment. There is a need for this programme to continue and it has made a real difference for rural Ireland. Over the years both Cavan and Monaghan have had successful Leader Programmes.
Decisions are made at local level and right throughout both counties community groups have been able to drawdown, along with statutory agencies, substantial investment which has improved considerably local infrastructure including facilities for local residents and also the development of tourism attractions. It has also been key to the development of many parish resource and community centres.
This new programme is now open for applications and communities and local enterprises who wish to apply for funding should make contact with their Local Development Company to discuss how the LEADER Programme can assist their plans. I wish both Cavan and Monaghan Local Action Groups continued success with their important work in delivering the Leader Programme”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith is calling on individual tourism and hospitality businesses to avail of the new €17m Outdoor Dining Scheme in partnership with local authorities.
The Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme comprises two parts and will be delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities across the country.
Part One of the Scheme will provide funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor seating capacity.
Funding allocated under Part Two will enable Local Authorities to develop permanent outdoor public dining spaces in towns and urban centres, similar to those that exist in various European cities.
Deputy Smith commented, “The aim of this scheme is to support jobs and businesses and to transform appropriate outdoor spaces within our cities and towns as welcoming, vibrant places that will help support economic recovery.
“This scheme will help create outdoor dining experiences around our towns and villages that not only benefit locals but are also attractive to domestic and overseas visitors when the sector re-opens.”
Speaking today, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, added: “I want to thank Minister Martin for securing this funding and the CCMA for its support with designing and administering it. Part One of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme relates to Outdoor Seating and Accessories to help tourism and hospitality businesses offset some of the costs incurred in upgrading premises for outdoor dining and seating.
“Part Two of the Scheme relates to Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure which focuses on the development of medium to large scale permanent public dining spaces in towns and centres in preparation for welcoming back visitors when it is safe to do so. Each Local Authority can apply for up to €200,000 under this element of the scheme. We have been working closely with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) on behalf of the Local Authorities to design a scheme that will be efficient and practical. We look forward to seeing the results across the country.”
ENDS
Note for Editor:
Part One of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme covers Outdoor Seating and Accessories.
This is open to individual tourism and hospitality businesses including hotels, cafes, restaurants and attractions where food is sold for consumption on the premises. Local Authorities will administer the Scheme through their internal business perspective and processes. All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative and other compliance requirements. The Scheme aims to expand on the work done in 2020 by Local Authorities in supporting businesses and will support individual independent hospitality and tourism businesses towards the cost of equipment to provide additional outdoor seating and facilitate these businesses to increase their outdoor dining capacity for the summer of 2021. Applicants can apply for a grant of up to €4,000 (up to 75% of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased/installed). Costs for outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands and wooden platforms will be covered under the Scheme. Expenditure must be incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021 and the scheme will open for applications on April 12th 2021 through Local Authority websites.
Part Two of the Schemecovers Weatherproofing & Outdoor Dining Infrastructure.
This will support Local Authorities to upgrade and enhance streets and public spaces and implement weather-proofing solutions which will facilitate year-round outdoor dining in urban tourism centres. This element of the Scheme will facilitate medium-large scale, weather-proofed dining areas for a collective of businesses in a single zone/street, similar to those that exist in various European cities. Each Local Authority can apply for up to €200,000 for a maximum of 2 locations. Additional funding may be made available subject to the quality and economic value of the proposals. Permanent robust and design appropriate weatherproofing structures, including parasols, electric heaters, wind breakers/screens and associated enabling works to accommodate these interventions on a long-term basis will be included. Roof structures and awnings will be considered subject to planning requirements being adhered to. Key is that these remedial works will increase the outdoor dining capacity within our cities and towns, whilst also ensuring the safety of diner and pedestrians.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the publication of the Government’s “Our Rural Future” strategy that looks to transform and develop rural Ireland.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “The Our Rural Future plan is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural regional development in decades. It will see the targeted revitalisation of Rural Ireland within 5 years.
“We have seen how the COVID-19 pandemic has presented changes to living and working patterns and the significant opportunities this presents for communities across Cavan and Monaghan. This policy reflects those opportunities, from remote working and revitalising our town centres to job creation, developing a green economy and enhancing our outdoor amenities.
“Putting communities first is a priority for Fianna Fáil in government and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this policy will have on communities across Ireland.”
Deputy Smith outlined some of the key investments being undertaken to maximise investment and meet the long-term needs of villages and towns:
€2.7 billion in the delivery of high-speed broadband to rural areas.
€1 billion under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to support ambitious projects to regenerate towns and settlements of less than 10,000 people.
€100m for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme – addressing vacant properties and encouraging more people to live in our town centres.
Over €72m in 2021 for high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure targeted at towns and villages across the country.
400 IDA investments for the regions
19 Advance Technology Buildings in regional locations by the IDA
Significant investment will be made in remote working facilities, building on more than €50 million invested in the last five years by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
€555m for the maintenance and renewal of the regional and local roads network in 2021 alone.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed funding of €435,000 for Cavan Monaghan ETB, which has been announced today.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “Under this funding programme, Cavan Monaghan ETB will be in a position to make decisions around small-scale Further Education Training (FET) investment priorities locally, and to ensure that projects can be advanced quickly and efficiently.
“The grant also allows Cavan Monaghan ETB an opportunity to consider future accommodation needs and to procure professional expertise to conduct condition surveys of existing buildings, with a view to a strategic approach to estate planning and development.
“In addition, funding has been provided for the introduction of an emergency health and safety works programme and further detail will be announced in the coming days.”
The investment announced today of just over €8 million nationally forms part of Project Ireland 2040 and will be provided via SOLAS for the delivery of small-scale and necessary infrastructure and improvement works, and for the purchase of equipment.
Fianna Fáil colleague and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins added: “The current National Development Plan, part of Project Ireland 2040, provided a dedicated capital envelope for the FET sector for the first time.
“The Devolved Capital Allocation is a priority investment within this context because it assists the ETBs to carry out minor infrastructural improvement works, make small but important improvements across their estates, and to procure equipment, including ICT equipment. I am confident that these measures will support an enhanced learning environment within the sector.”
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has called on the European Commission to provide clear answers on a range of issues relating to the vaccine rollout, including details on deals made with pharmaceutical companies.
Speaking in the Dáil, ahead of a meeting of the European Council this week, Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “The European Commission has questions to answer at the highest level. When did it commence its purchasing and procurement programme and what is its strategy? Why were agreements to deliver to the EU first not made with pharmaceutical companies?
“Some of these companies have shown very bad faith in the way in which they have dealt with Europe so far. Another question which needs to be answered or addressed is whether the EU has facilitated or, more importantly, ensured increased manufacturing capacity for these pharmaceutical products? Everything points to the world facing different variants of this virus for some time to come. We need short-term and medium-term planning to deal with Covid-19.”
Deputy Smith stated that EU citizens deserve to get their “fair share of vaccines”.
He explained: “The EU cannot be accused of vaccine nationalism while it has allowed massive exports of vaccines to outside countries. Indeed, it is preferable and essential to ensure the EU gets at least its fair share of vaccines. I fully appreciate that, as the Taoiseach has said, supply chains have to be protected. I do not believe in trade disruption.
“Nobody benefits from it and the most vulnerable suffer the most. However, I also believe that we, as EU citizens, need to get the best possible protection from this deadly virus. We therefore need our leaders at EU level to ensure an adequate supply of vaccine and that the vaccine programme is given impetus and is rolled out more quickly. All of us have spoken to constituents who have had the vaccine administered to them. We have seen how much it has changed their lives and outlooks.”
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith welcomes the allocation of €2,310,000 Million to Cavan County Council and €3,985,620 to Monaghan County Council to develop high quality walking and cycling facilities.
This funding, allocated by the Minister for Transport, will also enable an extensive programme of footpath repairs and also the implementation of safety measures at a number of locations.
This is a significant investment in developing travel facilities in rural Ireland.
