Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
704. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider relaxing the rule whereby a substantial period of time must elapse before a back-to-work enterprise application may be approved, given the huge disruption caused to fledgling businesses as a consequence of Covid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36171/23]
View answerThe Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme (BTWEA) 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 supports people in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment to develop a business while allowing them to retain a reducing proportion of their payment over two years. The scheme supports the development of new enterprises.
The Government has provided funding of €34.8 million for the scheme in 2023.
The qualifying period for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is 9 months in receipt of a jobseekers or other qualifying social welfare payment. This was reduced from 12 months in 2017 to provide access to this support at an earlier stage of a person's unemployment.
It is a key priority to encourage people back into employment and 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 to reduce the qualifying period for this scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy at this time.
