246. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware that a county council (details supplied) was not made aware that the increased cost of business grant was extended, which resulted in them missing the deadline; if he will extend the grant deadline to account for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25071/24]

On 15 May, Government announced that the ICOB scheme would be re-opened for registrations until 29 May and that businesses operating in the hospitality and retail sectors would be eligible for a second, or double, payment of the grant.

My officials have been working closely with the Local Government Management Agency on the administration of this scheme and during the reopening period, all local authorities received new registrations.

With the registration process now closed, 80,289 businesses, representing 67% of the total number of potentially eligible businesses, have registered.