July stimulus package
Deputy Ged Nash asked when the July stimulus would be brought forward and whether it would be debated in the House. The Taoiseach said it should come within weeks, would need legislation, and would be debated in the Chamber.
I ask the remaining Deputies to take 30 seconds rather than a minute in order that everyone can contribute. Deputy Nash is next.
Comment on this
The July stimulus package is eagerly awaited by working people and businesses across the country. They are anxious to see the colour of this Government's money. Will the Taoiseach state when precisely he intends to present the July stimulus? Will he also commit to present the package to this Chamber? It is important to do that, rather than to launch such a significant State investment initiative outside this House. It is important that the contents of the package are debated in this House. Which legislation will require amendment and which new legislation will be required to give effect to the Taoiseach's ambitions under the July stimulus?
Comment on this
I hope we will have the July stimulus within the next three weeks, maybe within the next fortnight. The Tánaiste, the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, I and others are working on the package and a special Cabinet committee will meet this week to go through the detail of the package. It will obviously have to be debated in the House and there will be legislation to underpin it. The financial provisions (Covid-19) Bill does not relate specifically to the stimulus package but will obviously underpin it. The Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill and the credit guarantee (amendment) Bill will be of assistance. We are also looking at a companies (amendment) Bill to deal with some immediate problems and acute issues arising from Covid that companies are facing.