Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the cost of business grant scheme will be open for applications; the length of time the application process is expected to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8530/24]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant, announced as part of the Budget 2024 package will be particularly targeted at Small and Medium sized businesses who operate from a rateable premises. It is important that I note that the ICOB is not a commercial rates waiver and firms should continue to pay their rates as normal.

The administration of the ICOB grant will be carried out by Local Authorities and it is intended that qualifying firms will begin to receive grant payments in the first quarter of this year. Service Level Agreements (SLA) between my Department and the Local Authorities have been finalised. These SLAs will underpin the operation of this scheme, covering the delivery, funding, and oversight arrangements for the grant scheme.

There is no requirement for a business to undergo a formal application process. The Local Authorities are expected to be in contact directly with eligible businesses to inform them about the grant payment and how to verify their eligibility. It is envisaged that a letter will be issued by a local authority to each eligible business in the coming weeks. The letter will contain instructions for businesses on how to verify their eligibility. The Local Authority will then make grant payments to the bank account of qualifying businesses in accordance with the scheme.

In order to qualify for the ICOB grant, a business is expected to satisfy a minimum of the following conditions:

• The business is a commercially trading business operating directly within a premises that is commercially rateable by a Local Authority.
• The business has provided confirmation of its bank details to the respective Local Authority.
• The business is rates compliant, including those businesses with a phased payment arrangement in-place.
• The business is tax compliant, and in possession of a valid Tax Registration Number.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is currently accommodating more than 101,000 people seeking safety and shelter, between people fleeing war in Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. Over 200 properties are being used to accommodate people across every county.

Despite the efforts of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth, there are not enough beds available to accommodate everyone who needs one, particularly for single adult males. As a result, it is not able to provide accommodation to all single male international protection (IP) applicants. The most vulnerable people are being accommodated, others will be offered accommodation as soon as its available.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth is now also experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children. This follows a significant increase in the number of families seeking accommodation. In the last two months the need for family accommodation has increased considerably.

The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) has responded to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. A full assessment of the property has been completed, all requirements are in place and a contract has been signed. It will be brought into use in the near future to provide accommodation for people applying for International Protection.

The Community Engagement Team is engaging with all local representatives, the Local Authority and the Community Response Forum. It has provided them with detailed accurate information about the planned use of the property. The team has also liaised with all relevant national services to ensure that they have the relevant information they need to inform and respond to service provision locally. This includes services for social welfare, health, education, transport, justice, and the HSE, An Garda Síochána, the local integration teams and local development office.

As part of the Budget 2024, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin, T.D. is making up to €10 million available for a programme of supports targeted at those downstream tourism businesses experiencing particular challenges linked to the reduction in footfall in regions most impacted by tourism bed stock displacement. This programme of supports includes investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitalisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.

Fáilte Ireland is now working on the operational details of this scheme and further details will be announced in the coming weeks.