A Government fund aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises to reopen and rebuild - as the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions are eased - needs to be at least quadrupled in size, according to employers' group Ibec.
Ibec also said that loans with 100% State-backed credit guarantees and an interest rate holiday of 12 months are required if small firms are to get back on their feet.
The policy recommendations are contained in a new plan called Sustaining SMEs. Ibec wants this plan to be considered by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens as part of the 'July Stimulus' contained in the proposed new programme for government.