John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join others in welcoming and acknowledging the families of the 48 victims of the Stardust nightclub fire in 1981, before I was born. To think it has taken this long to get to where we arrived last week in respect of the verdict and this week with regard to the State apology is unimaginable, as is the trauma those families have had to endure over such a protracted period. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them today.

Last week, we had an important debate in this House on small businesses. Not one of the Opposition parties decided to turn up for it, which was disappointing.One of the measures the Government has introduced is the increased cost of business grant, which is open for applications until 1 May for up to 95% of all ratable businesses. A sum of €257 million has been allocated to that fund. Unfortunately, the rate of draw-down and applications throughout the country has been quite low. In some counties, it is as low as 20%. No county is above 50%. There is an element of awareness. We all need to work towards ensuring that all businesses are aware of the grant. Any business that paid between €10,000 and €30,000 in rates in 2023 is eligible for a grant of €5,000. Any business that paid up to €10,000 gets 50% of its rates back. They have until 1 May. I would like the deadline to be extended beyond that, given the low uptake. In fairness, that would give the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, ammunition to go to the Government to provide more supports for small businesses in the next budget. That fund must be drawn down by businesses. We really have to make sure that everyone who is eligible for the grant applies without delay.