James Lawless
Ceist:365. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27572/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 June 2023
Ceisteanna (365)
Freagraí scríofa
Finance Act 2022 (as amended) makes provision for the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS). The scheme provides support to qualifying businesses in respect of increases in their electricity or natural gas costs. The TBESS is available to eligible tax compliant businesses carrying on a trade or profession, the profits of which are chargeable to tax under Case I or Case II of Schedule D. Businesses which are eligible for the TBESS can register for the scheme via Revenue’s e-Registration facility on Revenue’s Online Service (ROS) and can submit claims through the e-Repayments facility on ROS.
I am advised by Revenue there was no technical issue with the ROS system as mentioned in the details supplied. Revenue first received a query by telephone on 30 January 2023, when the director of the identified business was advised by a Revenue official that January and February 2022 bill details were required to be submitted on ROS before a claim could progress. On the same date, the business submitted a TBESS claim on ROS. On 4 March 2023, a Revenue official contacted the business by email in relation to their claim. The business had input the incorrect financial details on ROS which resulted in Revenue rejecting the claim. The business was directed to the guide ‘Understanding your Bill’ available on the Revenue website with a request to resubmit the claim with the correct details.
I am advised Revenue then received a query through Revenue’s My Enquiries portal from the business on 31 May 2023, which they responded to on the same day setting out the steps required by the business to proceed with their claim through ROS. I am also advised a Revenue official contacted the director of the identified business by telephone on 2 June 2023, advising of the requirement to update their reference period details on ROS in advance of submitting a claim. The director advised he had not checked his ROS messages and would follow up over the coming days. Revenue has advised the business has commenced a claim submission on 7 June 2023, and a Revenue official will make direct contact with the business to see if any further assistance is needed. I want to assure the Deputy there are no technical glitches in the system as is evidenced by well over 40,000 claims successfully processed.
I am advised by Revenue, that comprehensive guidelines on the operation of the scheme are available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/documents/tbess-guidelines.pdf