Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
910. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for the back to work enterprise allowance or any other scheme or payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31643/21]
View answerThe person concerned was engaging with the Local Employment Services (LES) and was referred to County Kildare Leader Partnership for support in setting up his own business. Departmental records indicate the person concerned was participating in their Business Development Programme in February 2020 with a view to finalising his Business Plan in March 2020. Subsequently the LES was unable to contact the person concerned and the period for obtaining supports through their service came to an end.
The person concerned was then referred to the JobPath programme with Turas Nua, but I am advised that staff there were unable to make contact with him. Further attempts made by my officials to contact the person concerned by phone have been unsuccessful.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance which has been temporarily suspended due to the fact that he has been unreachable. If the person concerned verifies his contact details with the Newbridge Intreo Centre his payment can be reinstated.
If the person concerned wishes to proceed with setting up his own business he should engage with the County Kildare Leader Partnership. Whilst the person concerned meets the eligibility criteria for Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, his business idea would have to be approved by both a Case Officer and the County Kildare Leader Partnership before a recommendation can be made to a deciding officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
