Youth Guarantee

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Ceisteanna (117)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

117. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that the Youth Guarantee says it will ensure that all young persons under the age of 25 years receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within a period of four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education what will be incorporated in the guarantee for the category of young person who is unemployed, out of college or school but who wants to set up their own business as opposed to take up an offer of training; will there be a link into youth entrepreneurship funds at EU level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29434/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance already supports unemployed jobseekers wishing to engage in self-employment. It is generally considered that mentoring and advice – possibly delivered through start-your-own business training – can prove to be a valuable asset to a person starting out on their self-employment venture.

In addition, as part of the Action Plan for Jobs, new Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) will be launched that will provide support to micro-enterprises through Local Authorities. Furthermore, the Action Plan for Jobs commits to establishing a Centre of Excellence for Micro-enterprise and Small Business within Enterprise Ireland that will be a key integrating resource for the LEO network.

The newly established LEO will function as a First Stop Shop for the provision of information and advice for small business, as well as continuing to assist micro enterprises in relation to accessing loan finance from the Microenterprise Loan Fund. This fund will benefit young entrepreneurs seeking to finance their business ventures.

With regards to EU funding youth entrepreunerships, the specific initiatives to be funded under the EU's Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) will not be known until the details of the YEI are finalised later this year.