Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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367. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider accepting late applications to the Power Up scheme for an eligible business that missed the last deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2417/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The ICOB scheme closed on 29th May 2024 following an extension to the deadline to allow those who missed the first closing date a second chance to register. The Power Up grant closed on 22nd November, 2024 also following an extension to the deadline. The Local Authorities contacted eligible businesses to let them know how to register for the schemes and they were also widely advertised including on local radio and on social media.

In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million in 2024. It is not possible at this stage to reopen the Power Up grant to allow those who missed the deadline to register.

In terms of broader supports for businesses, the National Enterprise Hub online portal provides all business owners with a centralised signposting service of over 230 Government supports from 23 Departments and Agencies. The Hub has a team of expertly trained advisors who can help to diagnose the needs of your business and direct you to the appropriate available supports or indeed put you in direct contact with the relevant agency. The Hub team can be contacted through the website (www.neh.gov.ie) via live chat or by phone on 01 727 2100.