Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
354. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if the enterprise support grant is available to sole traders who did not make a claim in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34248/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra355. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make the 2021 enterprise support grant available to sole traders who returned to work in May 2021 when restrictions were lifted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34262/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.
The Enterprise Support Grant (ESG) is available to eligible self-employed individuals who close their Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and re-start their business. Almost 9,200 ESG applications have been approved since the introduction of this grant, with approximately €8.5m paid to small businesses.
The grant, of up to €1,000, is payable to self-employed individuals who employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million, are not liable for commercial rates and are not eligible for support from similar business reopening grants, such as the COVID19 Restrictions Support Scheme, from other Departments.
I have recently extended the grant to make it available to those who claimed the grant in 2020 but who found themselves back on the PUP in 2021. The opportunity of a second grant, worth up to €1,000, applies to all eligible self-employed recipients who close their PUP on or after 1 June 2021. The grant remains available to all first time eligible self-employed individuals upon the closure of their PUP claim.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
