Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2019
243. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports available to a person who is on a community employment scheme and who plans to commence their own business in a self-employed capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4832/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) is designed to provide a monetary incentive for people who are on social welfare payments to develop a business while allowing them to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment over two years; 100% in year 1 and 75% in year 2.
Periods spent on a Community Employment Scheme count towards the qualifying period for the BTWEA scheme. Following a period on a Community Employment scheme an applicant will have to establish an entitlement to a qualifying payment (e.g. Jobseekers) prior to applying for BTWEA.
A person who is currently participating on a Community Employment scheme and who is considering starting their own business should make contact with their local Intreo Centre and arrange an appointment with a Case Officer with whom they can discuss their eligibility for the scheme and the suitability of their business proposal.
