Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Ceisteanna (21)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

21. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will address the issue of the allocation of restart grants by local authorities due to insufficient funding which prevents them from allocating funding to companies outside of phases 1 and 2 under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business even if the application has been successfully processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13982/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Eligible businesses which had stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those which were reopening under Phase 1 (from 18th May) and Phase 2 (8th June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business are encouraged to apply for the Restart Grant.

As the Deputy will be aware, the acceleration of the Roadmap lead to a further number of businesses allowed to reopen in advance of what was initially anticipated and there is no longer a need for prioritisation of applications in line with reopening dates. Accordingly, all eligible businesses are invited to apply for the grant.

Regarding the funding of the scheme, I am satisfied, based on original estimates provided through the Local Authorities, that the Scheme is sufficiently funded.