Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
653. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the policy of refusing to allow persons setting up as self-employed under a franchise qualify for short-term enterprise allowance; and if such persons will instead be allowed the opportunity to demonstrate independently the viability of their initiative. [34372/22]
View answerThe Short Term Enterprise Allowance scheme (STEA) is designed to provide immediate support for someone who loses their job and qualifies for Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) or Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed (JBSE) but wants to start a new business not currently in operation.
The support provides an incentive to avail of self-employment opportunities by allowing a person to retain their appropriate JB/JBSE rate. The scheme assists in the development of a new enterprise and alleviating the associated risks involved and provides an element of financial security along with business mentoring and supports. A venture which is not a new enterprise can base its income potential from past experiences, thus mitigating the financial risks associated with commencing a new enterprise.
Businesses setting up under an already market-established brand such as franchises are not considered eligible for receipt of the scheme and there are no plans to change this position.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
