Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
30. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a breakdown of the various supports or incentives provided to self-employed workers with disabilities, and the annual expenditure relating to each support over the past five years, in tabular form. [43542/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone, including people with disabilities, intending to start or grow a business. In that regard, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as the Department of Social Protection, Revenue, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Office grant supports are available to all entrepreneurs provided their business meets the general eligibility criteria, such as operating in manufacturing or internationally traded services and with up to 10 employees.
In addition, all entrepreneurs can avail of Local Enterprise Office training, mentoring and management development programmes. Furthermore, Local Enterprise Offices can provide additional support to entrepreneurs with disabilities such as one to one mentoring or accommodations to assist with the completion of grant application forms or to complete training courses such as Start Your Own Business.
The Local Enterprise Offices do not collect data in relation to the disability status of individual applicants and therefore cannot provide a breakdown of annual expenditure by disability status.
The Department of Social Protection does however provide specific supports to help people with disabilities to find and keep employment, including self-employment.
