243. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if early years and childcare providers are entitled to the second round of ICOB payments (details supplied). [24931/24]

As you are aware the ICOB scheme reopened for registrations on 15 May and closed on 29 May.

It was decided that businesses operating in the hospitality and retail sector would be eligible for a second payment of the grant. Childcare providers are not entitled to the double, or second, payment of the ICOB grant.

This decision was made due to the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the assessment carried out by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Social Protection, entitled “An assessment of the cumulative impact of proposed measures to improve working conditions in Ireland”. This report is available on my Department's website.