Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The budget did not include much of benefit for small businesses which are suffering greatly in the current climate. The one exception is the increased cost of business scheme, which apparently will be available to 130,000 small businesses across the country. All we really know about it at this stage is that it will be equivalent to 50% of the relevant commercial rights. Is it a rate reduction or a grant payable to businesses? I believe that would be a measure of the success of the scheme. Does a business need to be up to date with its rates to qualify for it?

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