Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
389. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if financial assistance is available to businesses such as restaurants that lost perishable stock during storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2946/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that many businesses have experienced significant weather impacts and recent disruption to their operations. Officials from my Department continue to engage with the National Emergency Coordination Group to respond to these weather events.
Additionally, my Department has monitored impacts at a local level, including through the proactive work by the Local Enterprise Offices. I and my officials are continuing to engage with the business community.
It is our understanding that in the majority of cases the primary impacts arising for businesses (damage to property, loss of earnings and/or spoilage to stock) will be covered by the business insurance that the businesses in question will have taken out. This should be the first recourse for businesses that have incurred financial losses as a result of recent weather events.
We will continue to monitor the position across the country and as individual businesses work through their claims with their insurers, to consider if there is a need for additional support from the Government.
The Government does recognise that businesses may have had recent challenges in addressing filing and compliance obligations and given the impact of Storm Eowyn it is appropriate to adopt a flexible, responsive and pragmatic approach. While all public bodies are taking a flexible approach, it is useful to highlight two specific agencies that may be of particular relevance to the business sector.
The Revenue Commissioners are aware that the exceptional weather events have caused difficulties for many and understands that this disruption can impact timely tax compliance. Revenue will work with those taxpayers and businesses that have been adversely impacted by Storms Éowyn and Herminia, to ensure that good compliance records can remain on track despite the disruption caused. Revenue’s Collector-General’s office can be contacted on 01 738 3663, or through MyEnquiries.
The Companies Registration Office is aware that certain areas of the country have been badly impacted by power outages caused by Storm Eowyn. As a result, the Companies Registration Office is aware that some companies have encountered difficulties when filing their annual returns with the Companies Registration Office. If the person presenting company filings is in an area that has been affected by the power outages caused by Storm Éowyn, please contact Companies Registration Office at annualreturns@cro.ie and we will endeavour to assist you where possible.
