Extension of EWSS and CRSS a great relief to hospitality and events sector – O’Donnell

The extension of the EWSS at the full rate, as well as the CRSS, will come as a great relief to businesses, in particular those in the hospitality and events sectors, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Kieran O’Donnell said, “Minister Paschal Donohoe announced this morning that the Government are extending the EWSS at the full rate of €350 per week for all businesses until January 31^st. The CRSS will also be extended until the end of January.

“This will come as a great relief to thousands of people, most particularly workers and businesses in the hospitality and events sectors who have been greatly impacted by the latest Covid-19 restrictions.

“I have worked extensively with the sectors here in Limerick and Tipperary to ensure these latest Government support schemes were put in place as quickly as possible.

“In circumstances where Government supports are urgently needed by businesses impacted by restrictions, speed trumps perfection. Today’s announcement is a sensible decision by Government to extend the EWSS at the €350 rate for the months of December and January as it ensures the link is maintained between businesses and their employees so they can come through this period together.

“The higher €350 EWSS weekly rate will be back-dated to December 1^st. Furthermore, it will come into operation from Monday next, December 13^th, with payments made within two days of submitting a claim and arrears due from December 1^st being paid by the end of next week.

“In addition, Minister Donohoe’s decision to extend the end-date of the CRSS to January 31^st, 2022, to align with the requirement for nightclubs to close until January 9^th, 2022, will be welcomed by all in the nightlife sector,” Deputy O’Donnell concluded.