Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
160. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware of differences in eligibility criteria for certain business types (details supplied) paid under the power up grant; whether they should be included in the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53768/25]
View answerThe Increased Cost of Business scheme was introduced in March 2024 and the Power Up grant was introduced in October 2024. Both grant schemes are now closed.
As you are aware the second ICOB payment and the Power Up grant specifically targeted businesses in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors. The Department used NACE codes to determine eligibility for those sectors. The NACE Codes is a European classification system that assigns organisations according to their business activities. Launderette businesses were not eligible for the second ICOB payment or the Power Up grant as their primary business is not classified as retail.
The Local Authorities administered both of these grant schemes on behalf of my Department and the Local Authorities decided on the eligibility of individual submissions based on the information supplied. The Local Authorities decision was final and my Department has no access to the information supplied by businesses.
