Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a matter (details supplied) regarding small business contractors. [7687/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Self-employed people can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. Self-employed customers do not have to de-register as self-employed persons in order to claim jobseeker's allowance.

Legislation provides for the assessment of all income in cash and any non-cash benefits which the person or his or her spouse may reasonably expect to receive during the succeeding year. While accounts provide significant information, a means assessment is not based solely on audited accounts. The income from the previous twelve months is used as an indicator of likely future earnings but it is not simply assumed that the previous year's earnings will be received in the following year. Any circumstances that would be likely to lead to a significant variation, either upward or downward, in the level of a person's income from one year to the next are taken into consideration.

If a self-employed person's situation changes after they have made an initial claim for jobseeker's allowance, the person can apply to have his or her means reviewed in the light of these changed circumstances. In addition, it is open to the individual to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office if he or she is dissatisfied with the level of means assessed.

Information on all social welfare entitlements, including supports for self-employed people, is set out on the Department's website – www.welfare.ie.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the living alone allowance increase; if she will provide a breakdown of recipients by qualifying payment and age group; the amount this payment cost in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7699/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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At the end of December 2011 there were 174,015 recipients of the living alone allowance at a weekly cost to the exchequer of €1.34m. This equates to some €70m. per annum. More than 80% of recipients of the Living Alone Allowance are aged 65 years or over and more than 30% are aged 80 years or over.

A breakdown of the recipients by scheme and age group follows.