Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the positive response from the Minister of State, but it needs to be dealt with. It is simply unfair that, for instance, the post office in Clonmel is getting the grant, while those in Fethard, Ballingarry or Killenaule are not. Small businesses in Ardfinnan and Clogheen might be getting it while those in Caisleán Nua, Ballyporeen and Cahir are not. I welcome the amount of money involved and the number of businesses that got the grant, but there is little solace for those who have been locked out of the scheme. The power up grant is a turn-off for those people. They are trying their best to access it. They are dealing with the county council. I again thank the officials who are helpful to them.

People's frustration is palpable. They have been locked out because of a reclassification and incorrect criteria in the first instance. They did what they were asked to do. Across the board, this should be clear-cut. I wonder whether some of these schemes are designed to ensure that we hold on to the money. Obviously, the pot of money is not big enough and we make it more difficult for people. Businesspeople are at their wits' end trying to do the books, keep their places safe and clean, meet health and safety and other regulations, pay wages, PRSI, VAT and insurance and meet the rising costs.

These schemes only tinker around with the costs involved. The real problem is that the Government is not tackling the ESB or the energy companies. We have the second highest energy prices in Europe. That is unbelievable. We know the difficulties with the ESB, and I compliment everyone on their sterling work to get power back on for people. The CEO of the company has stated that it might increase prices. This is another body blow to the businesses to which I refer. The ESB cannot be allowed to increase prices. It has insurance to cover its costs. It also has massive profits, which we have seen over the past decade. It has made gigantic profits. Business owners must have a fair and palatable scheme that is easily accessible. They are busy people. Many times they make these applications at night or when they are supposed to be having downtime with their families. They are trying to keep the doors open ag obair go han-chrua ar fad. It is very difficult for them to get onto these schemes. Some of them just give up and instead of being a power up grant, it is a complete turn-off.

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