Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2005
258 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the back to work allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway from the date the application was made for this allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2954/05]
View answerThe back to work allowance scheme, introduced in September 1993, is part of my Department's programme of initiatives designed to assist long-term unemployed people, lone parents and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force. The allowance provides a monetary incentive designed to make their return to work financially attractive and viable. It is designed to support people who would not otherwise be able to return to the workforce for financial reasons.
People applying for the allowance must do so in advance of taking up employment to allow their eligibility for the scheme to be determined. Claims made after the person has started work indicate that the person was in a position to take up employment without the need of the financial support the scheme provides.
The person concerned commenced employment on 12 April 2004. She applied for the allowance in December 2004, and does not, therefore satisfy the eligibility criteria for participation in the scheme.
