Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The scheme is now open to applications. We expect businesses will receive the first payments before Christmas or by the end of the year and they will be backdated to September. Payments will cover approximately 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills. I know that still means a big increase for businesses, but it is significant help and it is what was approved under EU state aid rules. We are doing our best to ensure people know about it through business organisations, through the Revenue Commissioners and through accountancy practices, as accountants will want to let their customers know it is available.

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