Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The power up grant announced as part of the budget builds on the successful increased cost of business scheme that this year has paid out some €244 million to more than 75,000 businesses right across the country. The power up grant now has a budget of €170 million. Qualifying businesses will receive a grant of €4,000. More than 29,000 retail and hospitality businesses have registered for the grant since it was launched on 24 October. In order to get payments to eligible businesses by the end of the year, the qualifying criteria for the power up grant are aligned with the ICOB scheme. As the Deputy said, there are two types and he is correct that the businesses that did not receive a second payment under ICOB are not eligible to register for the power up grant. It is my understanding that the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, has said this was being looked at within the Department with a view to seeing if we can do something to sort it out. The Deputy raised a fair point and it is one that needs to be examined.

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