John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will have to forward the Deputy's questions on housing to the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy. We had housing questions in the House recently but today's session is not specifically about housing. However, I will get the Minister to directly answer the questions Deputy O'Brien has raised.

The restart grant is being funded through the local authorities and local enterprise offices and is a rebate of rates. I have encountered some businesses that might have a very small rates bill or do not have much of a physical premises. The Deputy mentioned sporting and community organisations. The scheme is under constant review, with the aim of capturing the maximum number of businesses. I will bring the Deputy's specific concerns to the attention of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, which is the Department responsible for the grant.

The Deputy asked if the waiving of rates for three months is not enough. A figure of €90 million per month was worked out, in conjunction with the County and City Management Association, as the cost of Covid-19 to the local government sector. An amount of €260 million has been committed to but a commitment was also given that the period for which rates are waived will be extended if businesses continue to be forced to close or seriously affected by the Covid epidemic.

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