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Pringle presses Government for details of Increased Cost of Business Scheme
- Updated: 26th October 2023
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, pressed Government for details of the Increased Cost of Business Scheme, saying small businesses are suffering.
Addressing the Taoiseach in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “The budget did not include much of benefit to small businesses that are suffering greatly in the current climate.
“The one exception is the Increased Cost of Business Scheme. Apparently, it will be available to 130,000 small businesses across the country. All we really know about it at this stage is that it will be equivalent to 50% of the relevant commercial rates.
“But is it a rate reduction or a grant payable to the business? I think that’s important.
“That will be a measure of the success of the scheme, I believe. And will a business have to be up to date with its rates to actually qualify as well for it?” he said.
The deputy raised the issue during Questions on policy or legislation.
In his response the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said it is a grant, not a rate rebate or reduction, and said there is a linkage to how much in rates the business pays. He said Minister Coveney and Minister Calleary are keen to have that scheme ready, to have answers to those questions, and to have the money paid out in the early new year.
