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Taxi Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (653)

Derek Nolan

Ceist:

653. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has ever operated a scheme that provided lump sums to taxi drivers towards the purchase of licences or the operation of taxi business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37220/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department does not operate a scheme that provides lump sums towards the set up of taxi businesses or the purchase of taxi licences. The Deputy may wish to note that the Department operates a number of schemes which are designed to encourage people who are dependent on certain social welfare payments to pursue self employment opportunities. These opportunities can include the setting up of a taxi business.

The back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) allows a person who has been unemployed for over 12 months to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment over two years on entering employment or self-employment. The short term enterprise allowance (STEA) allows a person who qualifies for jobseekers’ benefit payment to retain this payment for the duration of their job seekers entitlement if they take up a self-employment opportunity. For both schemes the applicant must set up business for the purpose of self-employment. The business venture has to be approved by one of the local development companies or one of this Department’s job facilitators. The business venture must be deemed to be viable and sustainable and must not involve displacement of existing business in the same industry or sector. In assessing viability, cognisance is taken of the demand for, and supply of, the particular service at local level.

Those approved under either back to work schemes may also avail of additional financial support from the technical assistance and training scheme (TATS). Under this scheme a person may qualify for a grant up to a maximum of €1,000 to offset the cost of certain start-up expenses such as training in the areas of business start-up, bookkeeping and accounts, taxation, preparation of business plans, marketing, public liability insurance, literacy and computer training or assistance with the purchase of small items of equipment and tools.

Question No. 654 withdrawn.

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