Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
30. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts he has made in relation to reducing energy costs for a company (details supplied), one of its major costs, since he received notification of its imminent closure in early May; if he will supply details of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31561/23]
View answerThe Government recognises the difficulties businesses are facing due to the unprecedented increase in energy costs. The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced to specifically address these challenges and Government have now made amendments to this scheme, to ensure businesses continue to be fully supported during this time. The scheme was initially designed to support qualifying businesses in respect of energy costs relating to the period from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023, subject to monthly caps. However, in order to facilitate the continuation of the scheme, the Minister for Finance exercised the power contained in Section 100 of Finance Act 2022 to extend the scheme to 30 April 2023. The scheme has since been extended to 31 July 2023, while the time limit for all claims to be submitted has been extended until 30 September 2023.
Moreover, Government has made a number of further amendments to enhance the scheme. From 1 March, the monthly limit on support under the scheme was increased to €15,000 per qualifying business in relation to a trade or profession, subject to an overall cap of €45,000 in cases where a business is carried on from more than one location. The threshold for qualification was reduced from a 50% increase in electricity or gas costs to 30% increase (to apply retrospectively from 1 September 2022). The level of relief increased from 40% to 50% of eligible costs. There is more information on how businesses can apply for these supports on the Revenue website: www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/tbess/claim.aspx
All businesses carrying on a trade, from which profits or gains arising are chargeable to tax under Case I of Schedule D of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, are eligible to apply for support under the TBESS.
Senior officials from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, and Enterprise Ireland have met with company representatives to explore government supports and other options available to Tara Mines. Ongoing dialogue with the company has been agreed in that regard, and a coordinated government response is underway.
