Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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249. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if they would investigate reopening the ICOB application process for appeals by businesses who missed the original deadline. [49977/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme opened for applications on 14th March 2024 and closed on 29th May 2024 following an extension to the original deadline to allow those who missed the first closing date a second chance to register. The local authorities contacted businesses at that time with information on how to apply. The scheme is now closed and it is not possible at this point to reopen the scheme to new or late applications.

In terms of broader Government supports for businesses, the National Enterprise Hub online portal provides all business owners with a centralised signposting service of over 250 Government supports from 30 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.