Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
133. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the method by which grants will be calculated for businesses qualifying for the enhanced restart grant scheme. [20862/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra134. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated number of businesses that will qualify for the enhanced restart grant scheme; the quantum of grant it is estimated they will receive disaggregated by grant amount in intervals of €1,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20863/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
On 23rd July 2020 I announced that in order to further support enterprises as the economy reopens and resumes activity, further grant funding of €300m will be provided to businesses through an enhanced Restart Grant.
The additional €300m being provided in the stimulus package will allow further categories of businesses to benefit in that businesses impacted by a 25% reduction in turnover due to COVID-19 restrictions or downturn in trade will be eligible provided they commit to reopening and to hiring and sustaining employment.
The grant will be based on the amount of the rates assessment for the premises for 2019 (excluding arrears) with a new minimum grant of €4,000 and a maximum grant of €25,000 (Increased from €2,000 min and €10,000 max).
Eligible firms include medium sized firms with up to 250 employees, as well as small firms (increased from 50 employees) with a turnover of up to €25m, and turnover of less than €100k per employee, increased from turnover limit of €5m. Therefore, a business with 50 employees and €5m turnover, 100 employees and less than €10m turnover, and so on with a business with 250 employees having a max. of less than €25m turnover are eligible.
Commercial trading businesses that paid rates and were previously excluded on the basis that they were eligible for other government schemes will also now be eligible for the Restart Grant. This will enable commercial sports businesses, trading charity shops, creches and GP surgeries to apply for the minimum €4,000 grant.
B&Bs in non-rated premises will be eligible to apply for the minimum €4,000 grant from Fáilte Ireland. The hospitality sector, restaurants, pubs, activity centres and tourist attractions, e.g., galleries, museums are eligible if they are operating from a rated premise.
The funding allocated to the enhanced scheme is based on an estimate of the total number of previously excluded businesses who are now eligible to apply once they meet the criteria under the new rules. It is not possible at this moment in time to provide the detailed breakdowns which the Deputy seeks.
Application forms for the enhanced scheme will be available from the 31 Local Authorities, with more details to be announced in the coming days.
