Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
450. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the restart grant to sole traders and businesses without premises will be extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8808/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new €250m Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro and small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The application form is now available online on all local authority websites.
Businesses that are not operating from a rateable premise are not eligible.
I understand the concerns relating to business that do not operate from commercial premises.
However, tradespersons and service providers that operate on a mobile basis or that could continue to work remotely have been better placed to continue to trade and many don’t have the same levels of losses, of ongoing overheads or reopening costs that a fixed premises business will have. Within the funding available, the priority has been to support those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but who will still have incurred ongoing costs.
The eligibility criteria will be subject to ongoing review and we will continue to take on board issues as they arise.
