Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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9. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of enterprises in counties Longford and Westmeath that have applied to the small business assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30044/21]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The outlook is hopeful as we now enter the early stages of recovery but central to our economic recovery is the small and micro business community. We know businesses across the country continue to feel the impact Covid-19 has had on their normal operations.

Earlier this year, the Government introduced a Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), with the aim to provide grants to businesses ineligible for the Government's other existing schemes such as CRSS and is designed to help with fixed costs. While modest, it will go a ways to help small businesses meet their fixed costs.

The total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications received for County Longford is 99.  Of that figure to date, 29 applications have been paid, 2 have been approved and are due to be paid, 2 have been received and are awaiting a decision and 36 have been refused. 

In relation to County Westmeath 104 applications have been received for the SBASC grant.  Of that figure to date, 57 applications have been paid, 3 applications have been approved and are due to be paid and 44 applications have been refused.

Refusals have occurred due to eligibility requirements, such as businesses not meeting the turnover criteria, incomplete application form, the business was in receipt of CRSS or they were not in a rateable premises.

Last month, we announced an expanded SBASC phase 2 scheme, which will be open for applications in early June with a closing date of 21st July.  Phase 2 has been expanded to include businesses working from a non rateable premises and those whose turnover is below €50,000. 

Businesses who are working from non rateable premises and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive a €4,000 grant and businesses whose turnover is below €50,000 and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive €1,000 grant.  These businesses have been ineligible for schemes in the past and it is my intention to ensure that these businesses receive some state support during these difficult time.  The purpose of these grants are to help meet fixed costs associated with running a business.

Further details of this expanded SBASC scheme will be available shortly on my Department's website and on Local Authority websites, who will administer the scheme.