Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2020

Wednesday, 30 September 2020

Ceisteanna (168, 169, 170)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

168. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the average cost of the back to work enterprise allowance for each worker on the scheme. [27605/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

169. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the average cost of the back to education allowance for each student on the scheme. [27606/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

170. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of an additional 12,500 places funded through the training support grant. [27609/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170, inclusive, together.

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers weekly financial 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 plays a useful role in supporting the development of new enterprises allowing participants to retain welfare support over the first two years of their business. The average cost of BTWEA for each participant on the scheme is €211 per week. This equates to an average of almost €11,000 per year for each participant.

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) provides income support for jobseekers and certain others in receipt of social welfare payments who pursue courses of education at second or third level.  The main focus of the allowance is to assist qualifying applicants to improve their educational qualifications and their prospects of gaining employment. The average cost of BTEA for each student on the scheme is €231 per week. The BTEA remains in payment throughout the academic year, typically 9 months. The estimated cost is €9,000 per student for each academic year.

My Department provides assistance to jobseekers through a Training Support Grant (TSG) to fund quick access to short term training.  This grant provides the financial resources to respond to the identified training needs of a jobseeker. As part of the July Stimulus the funding available to a jobseeker increased from €500 per year to €1,000. The estimated cost of an additional 12,500 places funded through the TSG would be €12.5 million where the grant is availed off in full.

I trust this clarifies the matters for the Deputy.