Ireland unveils 6.5 billion euro coronavirus business package

Ireland will allow firms impacted by the coronavirus crisis to warehouse tax liabilities for 12 months, offering a "lifeline" as part of an additional package of business supports that could reach 6.5 billion euros, the government announced on Saturday.

Commercial rates will also be written off for three months, a 2 billion euro credit guarantee scheme will be introduced for small and medium-sized businesses and Ireland's sovereign wealth fund directed to make 2 billion euros of equity available for bigger companies, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said in a statement.

Ireland concentrated its initial 8 billion euro fiscal response on increased jobless payments and wage subsidies for affected employees, with 1 billion euros of liquidity support offered directly to reeling firms.