Dáil hears 9,000 small and local businesses in Ireland under threat amid Covid-19

Mr McDonnell says the government's restart grants for small businesses during the pandemic is not fit for purpose, and that the government is "fixated" on multinationals.

CEO of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME), Neil McDonnell said the consequences for the economy would be severe during the Covid-19 crisis if small businesses are not helped enough.

Up to 9,000 Irish small and local businesses could be lost during the Covid-19 crisis, the Dáil has heard.

CEO of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME), Neil McDonnell laid out the "dire consequences" that the economy could be facing if small businesses are not helped by the government.