Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
519. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department is considering new supports for enterprise start-ups such as through the back to work enterprise scheme as Ireland commences exiting the Covid-19 setbacks to employment. [40500/20]
View answerThe Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market. The scheme plays a vital role in supporting the development of new enterprises for unemployed individuals. This allowance is payable to self-employed individuals for up to a 24 month period from the commencement of their new business. Under the July Stimulus qualifying period is waived for individuals who have been in receipt of the PUP and wish to enter self-employment with the support of the BTWEA.
New entrepreneurs supported by the BTWEA are also eligible for the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG). For those in receipt of the BTWEA, the maximum amount payable is €2,500 for the 24 month period of the BTWEA claim. This grant is designed to support new businesses with the set-up costs that would typically act as a barrier to setting up a new business.
In addition to the financial assistance those looking to enter self-employment have a suite of business support measures available. Officers from my Department work alongside the network of Local Development Companies to ensure mentoring and supports are available during the business planning and initial stages of a new business.
Aside from BTWEA, those in self-employment, looking to reopen their business, may have other income support options available from my Department depending on their circumstances. A self-employed individual receipt of the PUP is entitled to earn up to €480 from their business, over a rolling four week period and retain their weekly PUP.
Where a person exceeds this threshold and is engaging in regular limited self-employment, access to the Part-Time Job Incentive has been extended to those who transition from the PUP. Under this scheme, a self-employed recipient can engage in self-employment for up to 24 hours per week and retain a personal weekly rate of payment of €128.60. A self-employed jobseeker with a qualified adult can be paid €209.70 per week.
As current restrictions lift and these PUP recipients begin to fully reopen their business, the Covid Enterprise Support Grant of up to €1,000 is available to qualifying self-employed individuals to assist with re-opening costs.
Any person seeking to re enter employment through the establishment of a new enterprise or to re-open their existing enterprise should contact their local Intreo Centre for advice as to the options available to them.
I trust this clarifies the position.
