Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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567. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the enterprise support grant for businesses impacted by Covid-19 will be launched. [18415/20]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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607. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding the Covid-19 enterprise support grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18400/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 607 together.

The Enterprise Support Grant is being extended to assist eligible self-employed recipients who are exiting the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment scheme after 25th June 2020 to re-start their business. A once-off grant will be awarded for 80% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €1,000 covering vouched costs associated with re-opening a business which was closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The grant will be available to self-employed individuals who satisfy the scheme conditions including: employing fewer than 10 people; having an annual turnover of less than €1 million; and not being liable for commercial rates. This grant is available for micro enterprises that are not eligible for other similar COVID business re-start grants from other Government Departments.

Funding of €12 million has been provided for this grant and my Department is developing the systems to put this grant into effect and will communicate how to apply for the grant over the coming weeks.

I trust that this clarifies the position at this time.