Alan M. Dukes
Question:56 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will apply the terms of the recently announced back to work allowance to persons initiating projects which will qualify for funding under the EC Leader Programme.
Written Answers. - Back to Work Allowance Scheme.
People initiating projects which will qualify for funding under the EC Leader Programme can also avail of the new back to work allowance scheme provided that they satisfy the conditions for eligibility under the scheme. They must be aged 23 years or older and have been unemployed for at least 12 months. Additionally their rate of unemployment assistance, if single, must be £40 a week or more and, if they are married, at least £62 a week. Recipients of the lone parent's allowance are also eligible to participate in the scheme.
This pilot scheme is designed to encourage unemployed people to take up employment in indigenous industries that have been identified in the Culliton Report as having potential for the creation of employment, in local small-scale enterprise and in community development and voluntary organisations. It will also encourage and assist the unemployed in setting up self-employment projects.