Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and am happy to take him up on his kind invitation. It is so important we work closely with the sector he referred to. We had initiatives in the past such as The Gathering, and when our economy was on the floor, we saw how much that sector played a part in enhancing economic activity and getting employment back. It is at the forefront of our minds. As I said, it is important the increased cost of business grant be drawn down because as we are getting to a stage when we are looking for more money in the Department, we need that to be drawn down. If it is not, the Deputy knows what arguments will be put up by the Departments of public expenditure and reform and finance when we are looking for more money as part of this package. I appeal to business owners, therefore, to demonstrate the commitment in drawing down that grant. There is a one-page form, it is very easy to fill out and there is a payment of up to €5,000 to assist the business. We will work with and listen, which is important, to the sector in the days and weeks ahead.

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