I was contacted this week by approximately a dozen businesses in my constituency. Their energy bills have landed and in many cases they are five times the amount they were this time last year. We welcome the new temporary business energy support scheme. What will the Government do to maximise not only awareness of this scheme but also participation in it to ensure those businesses can keep their doors open after Christmas?

The scheme is now open to applications. We expect businesses will receive the first payments before Christmas or by the end of the year and they will be backdated to September. Payments will cover approximately 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills. I know that still means a big increase for businesses, but it is significant help and it is what was approved under EU state aid rules. We are doing our best to ensure people know about it through business organisations, through the Revenue Commissioners and through accountancy practices, as accountants will want to let their customers know it is available.