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

I thank Deputy O'Connor for his very important question. On 15 May, I and my Government colleagues announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium-sized businesses. Included in these measures was the reopening of the ICOB portal from 15 May to 29 May to allow rate-paying business owners who have not registered to do so. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick. I urge those business owners who have not applied to do so now and as soon as possible. As part of reopening of the ICOB scheme and in light of the great impact the increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sectors, as noted in the joint report produced by our Department and the Department of Social Protection, namely An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors will receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations.

As the Deputy is aware, local authorities are administering the ICOB scheme on behalf of our Department and have started to pay out grants to eligible businesses. As of yesterday evening, 1,793 businesses in Cork city and county have received €4.62 million. In Cork City Council, of the 9,333 potentially eligible businesses, 3,913 businesses registered for the scheme representing 4,231 properties. Of those that have registered, 578 are in the hospitality sector, representing 628 businesses. In Cork County Council, of the 6,404 potentially eligible businesses, 4,849 businesses registered for the scheme representing 5,248 properties. Of those that have registered, 568 are in the hospitality sector, representing 595 businesses.

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