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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020

Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Ceisteanna (16)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

16. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the restart grant qualifying criteria in order to allow companies with high turnovers but low profit rates in exceptional circumstances, that is, turnover of over €5 million but a low profit margin.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29928/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Restart Plus Grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant could be used to defray ongoing fixed costs during closure, for example, utilities, insurance, refurbishment or for measures to ensure employee and customer safety.

In seeking to support the most exposed and at risk micro and small businesses, my Department has sought to put as few obstacles as possible in the way of eligible businesses accessing funding; under the Restart Plus Grant the criteria was raised from turnover of less than €5m to less than €25m.

I am not aware of this question as a widespread concern and where clarification of the eligibility criteria has been necessary the Local Authorities have engaged proactively with my officials to tease out how best to proceed. I can advise the Deputy that in a circumstance, subject to consideration of the particular application in line with the established eligibility criteria, where a firm or sector argues that its turnover is inflated by a disproportionate cost of sales (e.g., the manufacturer’s price of a product to a retailer), a rejected applicant can appeal the case to their Local Authority for consideration by providing evidence of the net or ‘real’ turnover of the local business in question. Any appeal should be made within seven days of receiving the initial decision. 

In addition to the Restart Plus Grant, there are other supports available to businesses, from, for example, Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices, MicroFinance Ireland, and InterTrade Ireland. These supports include grants, loans and mentoring, training and advice provisions,  which are detailed on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

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