Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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My understanding is that, while the European Commission has approved the scheme in recent weeks, the 40% had broken the ceiling. The framework has changed and will probably change again during 2023 in terms of its being extended. It might allow us to return to the scheme later if need be. We understand that the scheme, as designed, is the best way to reach as many businesses as we possibly can and have that impact. Therefore, while the 40% was under the EU framework, it had also to do with our own budget and maximising the use of that. We have agreed with stakeholders and with the committee to keep an eye on what is happening with energy costs. This scheme was to be in place until the end of February. The Finance Bill that passed through the Houses last week allows it to be extended until April. We will monitor the situation over the months ahead, and if we have to come back to particular sectors or certain schemes to adjust that, we will do so. It should be borne in mind, however, that if we wanted to change the percentage, we would have to go back to the EU for approval. That might not be forthcoming, but that is the procedure. Originally, we had pushed it up as far as we could, to the 40%. That has got approval, which is positive. We track what is happening in every other European country under the framework, and if we see schemes that we think would be of benefit here and that we could afford to do, of course we try to look at them and copy them.