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

When the scheme closed a week ago, we had about 76,000 registrations. That was roughly 60% of all businesses that qualified for the increased cost of business grant. A decision was then taken to open the scheme for a further two weeks and to run a very strong and robust advertising campaign, which we hope will encourage additional uptake in the run down to next Wednesday. I appeal to businesses to apply because this money is there for them.

Regarding businesses that do not qualify because they are over the €30,000 threshold, there are other supports contained in my package, working with Ministers of State, Deputies Calleary and Higgins, that will meet their requirements. These include the PRSI change Deputy Shanahan referenced and the supports for energy efficiency, which can reduce their monthly bills by more than €1,000 with simple measures like changing their LED lighting and refrigeration and helping with other capital costs, which will assist businesses into the future. This is a strong package, working under the budgetary framework. I have met with a number of business groups and am working with them to develop a very strong package in the next budget.

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