Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

307. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an appeals process will be introduced for the increased cost of business and power up grant schemes, as a number of businesses failed to meet the application deadline due to administrative issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13340/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million in 2024.

Following an extension to the deadline, the ICOB scheme closed on 29th May, 2024 and 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. Both grant schemes are now closed and it is not possible to reopen at this stage for those that have missed the deadline.

Separately, my Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing this issue and are considering next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.