Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
235. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons under 25 years of age can receive the back-to-education allowance at the rate of €220 per week but those getting the back-to-work enterprise allowance are only given €129.70; if there are any plans to amend this disparity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26827/23]
View answerOne of the aims of Pathways to Work 2021-2025 is to reduce the youth unemployment rate back to or below the 2019 average of 12.5% by 2023. According to the latest CSO data, the seasonally adjusted youth unemployment rate for April 2023 is already well below this target, at 7.9%.
My Department is pro-active in providing a number of supports to young jobseekers to enhance their employment prospects over time through, for example, educational and training opportunities, the Work Placement Experience Programme, self-employment and early access to JobsPlus.
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme supports people to commence full-time self-employment by allowing them to retain a proportion of their payment over 2 years. The self-employment income earned over the two years of the scheme is not means tested. Together with the Enterprise Support Grant of up to €2,500, these are valuable supports which provide some financial security during the early stages of the new enterprise.
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is of a different nature to the Back to Education Allowance, which provides a second chance education opportunity and enables eligible people to take up full-time education courses and continue to receive income support. Participants must continue to maintain eligibility to their underlying social welfare payment including continuing to meet the means test.
The Back to Education scheme is not intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system or to provide a basis for a long-duration participation in extended education. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant represents the primary support for persons pursuing education.
Employment supports are kept under review in the context of the overall improving labour market and commitments under the Pathways to Work Strategy.
There are no plans at present to amend the level of payments under the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme.
If the Deputy has concerns in relation to a specific case, could I suggest that he bring it to the attention of the Department.
I trust this clarifies the position.
