asked the Minister for Labour the nature of the conditions to determine eligibility for the enterprise scheme at present; if any changes have taken place in recent times regarding qualification for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Enterprise Scheme.
164.
The main conditions of the enterprise scheme are: (i) applicants must be unemployed and signing on the live register and in receipt of unemployment benefit or assistance for at least 13 weeks prior to entering the scheme. Participation in a training course is acceptable as an alternative for part of the 13 weeks and (ii) applicants must be able to satisfy FÁS as to the viability of the business proposed and whether they have the necessary skill to undertake it. There have been no recent changes in the conditions.