Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the Tánaiste's comments. There may be grants available to businesses, particularly smaller ones, to upgrade their heating facilities and find the most efficient and effective way of using energy, although I am not familiar with them. Is advice available to them regarding how they can reduce their costs in this regard? Is there a possibility of special grants to allow them to upgrade their fridges or cooking facilities to make them more efficient? We need to put pressure on energy companies as well. In particular, the ESB makes huge profits. I know the money is going to the State, but I am concerned that not enough is coming back down to smaller businesses.

It may not be a major issue but is there an option to introduce rates relief for businesses, particularly smaller businesses, that can prove their energy costs have increased exponentially? Are there any other supports or strategies in other countries that we could look at?

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