Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. Today, is my first opportunity to welcome him to the Chamber since his elevation to his new post. I congratulate him and wish him well, particularly as I know how committed he is to enterprise and business.

I am concerned about businesses, especially small businesses. I tabled my Commencement matter before the announcement of the supports that were put in place yesterday. I am concerned that businesses were very slow to apply for the temporary business energy support scheme, TBESS, because many business owners found it very prohibitive and uptake was quite low. I believe that businesses are not aware of many other available supports. That is why I ask the Minister of State to outline the supports that will be in place for businesses for 2023, especially the hospitality business.

I welcome the fact that the 9% VAT rate has been extended until the end of August. I know that the Government cannot continue to keep providing support. I thank the Government for the supports that have been put in place. However, I feel that it is really important to convey the message that supports are still available and I would appreciate if the Minister of State outlined them.