The government has announced a new €17 million scheme to develop a European-style outdoor dining culture.

The Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme, delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and local authorities across the country, will provide for outdoor seating and "accessories" to help businesses offset some of the costs incurred in upgrading their premises for outdoor dining.

But will this scheme help the majority of restaurants who have been closed due to the restrictions?

We spoke to Richard Jacob, owner of Idaho Café in Cork, Angela Ruttledge, co-owner of Monk's Green and Olive's Room restaurants in Dublin, and Fine Gael Councillor Ray McAdam of Dublin City Council.