Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

PRSI is a matter for the Department of Social Protection but having said that, this is something which we are working closely with the Department on. Earlier this year, my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection, produced a report on the increased cost of doing business and PRSI was one of the things that was flagged in that. It is something on which there is ongoing engagement. Regarding ICOB, pretty much its full allocation is invested. Some €7 million was drawn down, albeit a very small non-drawdown on it, plus we have now another €170 million which we are investing into those businesses to support them. That is all investment that has happened this year alone. ICOB and the power up grant will provide in total over €410 million to SMEs this year alone. That is quite a substantial investment.