373. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of a report (details supplied) highlighting the challenges faced by businesses in Tipperary due to severe storms, snow and ice disruption earlier this year; the progress made in addressing these challenges; his plans for any financial assistance, tax relief measures, and improved snow and ice management to prevent future disruptions; if there is a pathway for financial support for the affected businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2553/25]

I recognise that many businesses have experienced significant weather impacts and recent disruption to their operations. Officials from my Department continue to engage with the National Emergency Coordination Group to respond to these weather events.

Additionally, my Department has monitored impacts at a local level, including through the proactive work by the Local Enterprise Offices. I and my officials are continuing to engage with the business community. It is our understanding that in the majority of cases the primary impacts arising for businesses (damage to property, loss of earnings and/or spoilage to stock) will be covered by the business insurance that the businesses in question will have taken out. This should be the first and primary recourse for businesses that have incurred financial losses as a result of recent weather events.

We will continue to monitor the position across the country and as individual businesses work through their claims with their insurers, to consider if there is a need for additional support from the Government.

The Government does recognise that businesses may have had recent challenges in addressing filing and compliance obligations and given the impact of Storm Eowyn it is appropriate to adopt a flexible, responsive and pragmatic approach. While all public bodies are taking a flexible approach, it is useful to highlight two specific agencies that may be of particular relevance to the business sector.

The Revenue Commissioners are aware that the exceptional weather events have caused difficulties for many and understands that this disruption can impact timely tax compliance. Revenue will work with those taxpayers and businesses that have been adversely impacted by Storms Éowyn and Herminia, to ensure that good compliance records can remain on track despite the disruption caused. Revenue’s Collector-General’s office can be contacted on 01 738 3663, or through MyEnquiries.

The Companies Registration Office is aware that certain areas of the country have been badly impacted by power outages caused by Storm Eowyn. As a result the Companies Registration Office is aware that some companies have encountered difficulties when filing their annual returns with the Companies Registration Office. If the person presenting company filings is in an area that has been affected by the power outages caused by Storm Éowyn, please contact Companies Registration Office at annualreturns@cro.ie and we will endeavour to assist you where possible.

At a national level, the Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) framework outlines the national structures and frameworks to effectively manage emergency situations. The SEM identifies the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as having Lead Government Department responsibilities for the management of responses to severe weather events.

To support this role there are a series of ongoing simulations of various emergency scenarios.

The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) has been meeting on a daily basis to coordinate the response to Storm Éowyn, with the Department of Housing chairing these meetings as lead government department and daily updates on progress in the restoration effort have been provided to me through my officials. Over the coming weeks and months, the led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will apply learnings from Storm Éowyn to inform preparedness for future events.