Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
160. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Enterprise Ireland Ready for Customs grant is open to sole traders and limited companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14769/21]
View answerEnterprise Ireland’s Ready for Customs grant provides companies with financial assistance to cover the costs of taking on much needed additional customs clearance staff. This grant is open to enterprises that are currently engaged in the movement of goods to, from, or through the UK and which will require new or increased customs clearance capacity. These include enterprises that are providing freight, haulage, logistics services to, from or through the UK or:
- Are providing customs intermediary services or
- Are directly engaged in the movement of goods with or through the UK.
In addition, enterprises:
- Must be a limited company and have a CRO number (not a business name) and be incorporated in the Republic of Ireland at the time of application.
- Must have an EORI number from Revenue.
- Enterprises providing customs intermediary services less than 12 months since establishment must also provide a supporting business plan.
As the eligibility criteria states that enterprises must be a limited company and have a CRO number, sole traders are not eligible for the Ready for Customs grant support.
