I raise the issue of the TBESS. I understand it is constantly under review. Recently released figures show that approximately €20 million has been drawn down from a fund of almost €600 million that was allocated to support businesses. That shows that the current system is inaccessible or the criteria are too stringent. I have examples and many Deputies across the Dáil also have them. One business had a bill of €15,000 for November-December 2021 and it increased to €56,000 for the same period in 2022. Unfortunately €5,000 or €10,000 towards that kind of rise helps but does not go a long way. I understand the scheme is under review but we need a dramatic overhaul of the TBESS and how we roll it out.

As the Deputy is aware, the scheme is currently being reviewed by the Ministers, Deputies Michael McGrath and Coveney. The Deputy is correct to say that the take-up is much lower than we anticipated. The current plan is to end the scheme at the end of February but we are now looking at the possibility of extending it because energy prices are still very high for businesses. We are also looking at changing the terms and conditions. We still have not quite figured out why the take-up is not what we thought it would be. It may be because people simply have not applied for it, because it is too hard to qualify or because the limits are too low. That is all being examined at the moment.