Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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258. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration can be given to allow late applications for the increased cost of business grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21181/24]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, as part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses.

This scheme closed on the 1st of May and the ICOB portal is not live at the moment. Over 74,000 businesses have registered for the grant. The Local Authorities are beginning to make payments to businesses once their details have been verified. Analysis has been undertaken in relation to the grant scheme. A decision will be made this week and I expect to make an announcement in relation to the next steps of the ICOB scheme very soon.