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Enterprise Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022

Tuesday, 4 October 2022

Questions (228)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

228. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if the temporary business energy support scheme is available to any and all businesses, providing that they meet the eligibility criteria; and if so, the protections that will be in-built into the scheme to ensure that it is not abused or accessed by businesses that do not need the supports. [48372/22]

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Written answers

I indicated in my Budget speech that I would be introducing a Temporary Business Energy Support scheme (TBESS) to assist businesses with their energy cost over the winter months.

The TBESS will be open to businesses that carry on a Case I trade, are tax compliant and have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs. The scheme will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners and will operate on a self-assessment basis. Businesses will be required to register for the scheme and to make claims within the required time limits.

It is proposed that the scheme will operate by comparing the average unit price for the relevant bill period in 2022 with the average unit price in the corresponding reference period in 2021. If the increase in average unit price is more than 50% then the threshold has passed and the business is eligible for support under the scheme.

Once eligibility criteria are met, the support will be calculated on the basis of 40% of the amount of the increase in the bill amount. A monthly cap of €10,000 per trade will apply and an overall cap will apply on the total amount a business can claim. The scheme is being designed to be compliant with the EU state aid temporary crisis framework and will need to be approved by the EU Commission in advance of making payments.

The operational details of the scheme are being worked through by officials and will be available soon.

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