Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Burke, and the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, on their appointments and wish them, along with the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, every success in their work in the Department.

I welcome the Government’s decision to reopen the increased cost of business scheme. I heard the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, in different forums encouraging companies to apply. There is a rather simple application process. I sincerely hope that message can be got out and that eligible companies will apply and gain this much-needed assistance towards the increased costs facing the small-scale manufacturing, hospitality and retail sectors in particular.

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