A Monaghan Senator is calling for a wider range of businesses to be allowed access to the €4,000 energy grant announced in the budget. Senator Robbie Gallagher says that he has been contacted by many small business owners who have discovered that they do not qualify. According to Senator Gallagher, local towns are full of small businesses such as hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, laundrettes, dry-cleaners and gymnasiums - many of which are telling him that they do not qualify for these supports. Speaking to Northern Sound, he says small businesses and hospitality providers in particular feel that many of the pressing issues facing them haven't been addressed, with many not qualifying for the €4,000 energy grant. As a result, Senator Gallagher is calling on the Government re-examine and reconsider these issues as soon as possible.
"The Government has introduced a series of generous tax cuts, welfare increases and spending measures aimed at easing the financial pressures on households and businesses alike but many small businesses and hospitality providers in particular feel that many of the pressing issues facing them were addressed in any meaningful way and worse still many do not qualify for the €4000 energy grant," he explained..
"The price of energy is double what it was two years ago, water and waste costs have also risen. Another of the key points of contention for business is the increase in the minimum wage, which at 80c fell short of the expected €1 rise, but still adds further financial pressure. The Small Firms Association (SFA) has voiced its disappointment, noting that this wage hike, in the absence of the PRSI rebate it had championed in its pre-Budget submission, will place an additional burden on businesses already struggling with high costs. Local businesses support one another and the local community in meaningful ways through supporting and championing local produce and brands. I would ask that the Government re-examine and reconsider these issues as soon as possible."
