Longford/Westmeath Deputy Robert Troy is rejecting suggestions the government is ignoring restaurants and cafes that don't have the space for "outdoor dining" this summer.
Since grant aid was announced today to help arrange the provision of outdoor dining, there's been criticism of the fact that many businesses don't have the room to make this a viable idea in the coming weeks.
Deputy Troy is the Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, and says they've tried to take every business in the hospitality sector into account when it comes to offering support packages.
He says restaurants and cafes that don't have outdoor space could use outdoor facilities that councils will be supported in creating.