Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 section 484

Objectives of section 485, purposes for which its provisions are enacted and certain duty of Minister for Finance respecting those provisions' operation

Section 484 sets out the objectives, purposes, and ministerial oversight powers underpinning the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) introduced by section 485.

• The CRSS was designed to provide a fiscal stimulus to businesses forced to close or restrict their activities due to Covid-19 restrictions, and to mitigate any economic effects arising from the absence of a post-Brexit trade agreement between the EU and the UK.
• The scheme must be operated efficiently to minimise cost to the Exchequer, avoid directing resources to sectors that do not need direct support, protect the public finances through mechanisms for discontinuing or amending payments, and reflect changes in a claimant's circumstances where other State supports are being received.
• The Minister for Finance must assess the scheme at least every three months (beginning 13 October 2020), considering data on State receipts and expenditure, the Live Register, and any other relevant economic information, and may commission an independent economic assessment of the scheme.
• Following an assessment, the Minister may—subject to Dáil Éireann approval—make orders to revise the definition of Covid restrictions, extend the scheme's expiry date, alter the turnover comparison or claim percentages, or restrict or cease the election under section 485(8).