Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:169. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will reopen the increased cost-of-business grant. [22234/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 May 2024
Ceisteanna (169)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is very aware that SMEs have faced a number of economic shocks in recent years which have resulted in cost increases.
While most of these shocks have been international in nature – most significantly, energy price inflation – there have been costs associated with domestic measures, including the transition to a Living Wage and the introduction of Statutory Sick Leave.
I along with my Government colleagues have today Wednesday 15th May announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium sized businesses.
Amongst the range of measures I have decided to reopen the ICOB portal from today to 29th May. If a rate paying business owner has not registered, they should do so now. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick.
As part of re-opening the ICOB scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors will receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under this scheme.