Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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417. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what business grants supports for small business ratepayers will be introduced in 2025, and what the deadlines will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17251/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Small businesses continue to be the backbone of our local and national economies and we are working to ensure that the Programme for Government actions aimed at supporting small businesses are implemented in an effective and timely manner.

There are currently a range of financial and non-financial supports available to SMEs throughout the country. Two such supports available through Local Enterprise Offices are the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) and the Grow Digital Voucher. Both the are available to all eligible business with up to 50 employees, regardless of sector. The EEG now offers grant assistance of up to a maximum of €10,000 with a 75% contribution rate from Government for a broad range of measures to support the investment in technologies and equipment identified through the Green for Business Scheme. The Grow Digital Voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses to invest in technology such as online booking systems, stock control, AI, cyber security, and payroll software. These grants are designed to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of small businesses.

The Government remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Irish exporters through these challenging times. We are dedicated to helping businesses grow trade exports and explore potential new markets. Our dedicated agency supporting Irish businesses, Enterprise Ireland will continue to provide the necessary resources, guidance, and strategic support to help Irish companies navigate the evolving trade landscape and mitigate the effects of tariffs.

Although now closed, in 2024 over €400 million was paid to SMEs right across the country under the Increased Cost of Business and Power Up grant schemes.

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.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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418. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to reopen the increased cost of business and Power Up portal for those businesses that were unsuccessful in applying, as promised in late 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17319/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Both the Power Up grant and the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme are now closed, however, my Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period of the Power Up grant, specifically in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB.

The review is in relation to businesses who misclassified their business sector when applying for ICOB. The review of that issue and discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities are ongoing.

It is important to note that over €400 million was paid out to SME's throughout the country in 2024 under ICOB and Power Up.