461. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the increased cost of business grant will be available to businesses who are tenants, where the local authority rate account is in the name of the landlord; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34070/24]

An important aspect of the increased cost of business grant scheme has been to directly involve the local authorities in the authorisation and payment processes, as they are closest to the commercial life in their cities and counties and work in the provision of supports to smaller enterprises via the local enterprise offices. This is one reason eligibility is, in part, determined by the rates system, which is a good proxy for determining the scale and size of a business.

Businesses that are tenants can register as long as they are ratepayers. It has been brought to my attention that some businesses have entered into arrangements with their landlords whereby the rent payable includes an amount towards rates and their rates bill is in turn satisfied by the landlord. The legal position under section 4 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 as well as the amendments introduced through the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 is that tenants whose rent incorporates their rates obligation, which is remitted by the landlord, cannot be deemed to be ratepayers.

The priority has been to ensure that as many businesses as possible receive the funding as quickly as possible. While the Scheme is now closed, local authorities are continuing to process payments once business details have been verified. As of 6th September, €223 million has been processed in grant payments to verified eligible businesses.