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Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Questions (1095)

Seán Haughey

Question:

1095. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a review of the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment is carried out, if it will allow unemployed taxi drivers returning to work to avail of the back to work allowance scheme; if she will consider amending the scheme to facilitate such payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8836/20]

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Written answers

The back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market.  The support is available to someone looking to take the first steps into self-employment when setting up a new business.  It allows someone to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment over two years.  Under the rules of the scheme, which were reviewed in 2016, taxi drivers are not currently approved as they do not meet the displacement and market saturation tests.

Government recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for businesses.  The Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation has introduced a range of supports and guidance for businesses available on their website.  As part of the overall Government response, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners introduced a Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.  The scheme is available to employers who keep employees on the payroll throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning employers can retain links with employees for when business picks up after the crisis.

As we gradually move through the phases of reopening our society, we need to review the nature of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and how it fits into cross-Government plans to keep Ireland healthy and get the country working again.  Any future decisions will be based on our commitment that everyone who needs help will get the most appropriate assistance and also based on the evidence we receive from the reopening of the economy.  Arrangements for supports beyond that date will be considered by Government as part of its broad based approach to management of the emergency across all sectors of the economy and society.

I trust this clarifies the position at this time.

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