Pearse Doherty
Question:286. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused the enterprise support grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39410/20]
View answerThursday, 26 November 2020
Questions (286)
Written answers
The Enterprise Support Grant (ESG) provides funding following the re-opening of an applicant’s business after the closure of their Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) or Jobseekers claim.
This grant provides up to €1,000 for expenditure associated with re-starting a business following the closure of a PUP or a Jobseeker’s claim. The pandemic has created severe challenges for small businesses with significant disruption to their enterprise and uncertain trading conditions. In response, the Government announced a range of funding supports to help businesses stabilise and reopen, including the extension of the ESG to small businesses.
The grant is available to assist eligible self-employed recipients who have been in receipt of a COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and have closed their claim on or after 18th May 2020. It may be awarded to those who are self-employed, tax and PRSI compliant, employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1m; and are not liable for commercial rates.
The person concerned recently made an application for an ESG and his claim was initially refused. This claim has subsequently been reviewed and, as a decision has been made that the conditions for payment have been satisfied, the claim has now been approved. The Department’s Case Officer administering the ESG scheme in the Buncrana INTREO office has been in contact with the person concerned to inform him of this decision and to advise him that payment has issued to his nominated bank account.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.