Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2014
171. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding persons who are self-employed participating in the back to work scheme; the position regarding eligibility to switch to jobseeker's allowance during slack periods of self-employment under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48267/14]
View answerThe Back to Work schemes comprises the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) and the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA). The schemes are designed to assist jobseekers to pursue self-employment options by allowing the retention of all or part of the monetary value of the social welfare payment. The scheme provides support for a two year period with the full value of the social welfare payment being retained in year one and three-quarters in year two. For jobseekers receiving jobseeker’s allowance, the qualifying period is 12 months in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment. The STEA provides immediate access to those who have lost their jobs and qualify for jobseekers benefit and wish to set up a business. Payment under the scheme is at the same rate and for the same duration as their entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit.
The BTWEA does not provide for circumstances whereby a customer in receipt of the payment in the second year of their business plan may claim a jobseeker’s payment during periods of low business activity. It is likely that the value of the BTWEA payment and income from self-employment would exceed the value of any jobseekers payment to be made to cover such periods. A customer in receipt of a BTWEA payment can access support for their business venture from the Department of Social Protection’s Intreo centres, local enterprise offices and local development companies.
