Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 October 2020
36. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the closing date for the original restart grant was brought forward three weeks without warning; if in view of the severity of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, he will ensure that all eligible businesses will be paid both the restart grant and the restart plus grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30262/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart grant scheme was launched on 22nd May and was live on all local authority websites from 29 May. It was advertised extensively both nationally and locally as well as across social media. By mid-June, almost 30,000 applications were received nationally. By the end of July, some 45,000 applications had been received.
The Scheme was initially intended to provide grants in tandem with the phased re-opening of the economy as per the Government’s Roadmap. As the Roadmap was accelerated, so too was the scheme as it was made available to all eligible businesses and sectors.
The numbers of applications nationally had begun to taper off at the same time as the Government was considering introducing an expanded Restart Scheme with higher grant levels. Under the expanded scheme, the minimum grant is €4,000 (up from €2,000) and the new maximum grant is €25,000 (up from €10,000). The new scheme also has different criteria to the old scheme.
As the Government decided to introduce the higher grant levels, to the benefit of a much larger group of businesses, it was decided to end the original scheme. It would not make sense to run two similar schemes, with different criteria and grant levels, as it would only cause confusion for applicants and those administering the scheme alike.
In terms of eligible businesses which for any reason did not apply for the first phase of the scheme prior to its closure, applications can now be made to their Local Authority in respect of both schemes.
Applicants who received a grant under the first Restart Scheme can apply again for a second grant by submitting a Declaration Form to their Local Authority. Further information can be obtained on the websites of all Local Authorities.
The closing date for the Restart Grant Plus scheme has been extended to 31st October 2020 in order to make the scheme accessible to as many businesses as possible and particularly to those who have endured further restrictions in accordance with the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.
All COVID-19 Business Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate and I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine how best to further assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 in the context of Budget 2021 and later as part of the forthcoming National Economic Plan.
