Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The eligibility criteria set out by my Department determine how Restart Grant Plus applications are processed by the Local Authorities on its behalf.

In this context it is important to note that for the purposes of the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus Schemes, each Local Authority is the decision maker in relation to initial applications and appeals. The Department has no role in relation to individual applications.

Where clarification of the eligibility criteria has been necessary, the Local Authorities have engaged proactively with my Department to determine how best to proceed. My Department is satisfied that the Local Authority has correctly applied the eligibility criteria of the scheme in this instance.

Applicants are entitled to make an appeal to the Local Authority in the first instance. In that regard, the Local Authority will further review the matter and a decision will then issue from the Local Authority in due course.