Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's announcement this morning on the appeals mechanism that is being worked through. As outlined by the other Deputies, this will give hope to some businesses that for some reason were categorised incorrectly in their applications for the power up grant. To make a brief wider point, the alignment with the ICOB grant has presented difficulties for many businesses. This is going back to the 2023 rate payment. There are many businesses that entered into business since that time, so they have not received any support.

Another point is that, in the case of many businesses, their landlords pay the rates on their behalf and the businesses pay an amount to their landlords that includes rent and rates. Unfortunately, those businesses did not qualify for any grant, neither the ICOB nor the power up grant. The alignment with the ICOB grant has continued that problem for many businesses. I am not sure if there is scope in the appeals mechanism to look at the issue now, but can it be examined for future grants? Many businesses are doing their best creating employment but are not eligible on that basis.

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