Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
9. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the trading online voucher will be reverted back to 90% of a grant due to the fact that Ireland is in level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5081/21]
View answerThe Trading on Line voucher scheme was transferred into my Department from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications at the start of this year under a new sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The new sanction included a revised contribution model at a rate of 50% grant and 50% own resource contribution given budgetary and cost inflation concerns. The remainder of the terms of the scheme, with the exception of the claim timeframe being set at 6 months, were unaltered. Previous voucher recipients may continue to apply for a second voucher where upgrades are required.
To avail of the previous 90/10 contribution model voucher rate, it was essential that applicants would have completed applications submitted to the Local Enterprise Office on or before 5pm on the 31 December, 2020.
The LEO websites and promotional material in respect of the TOVs all contained this information regarding the change in the co-finance rate. Applications after this date are eligible for a 50% voucher rate and this information was also on the LEOs web information.
I would urge business owners to continue to engage with their Local Enterprise Office as they offer a range of mentoring, training, financial assistance and advice.
