Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 29:

In page 16, line 3, after “Chapter 1” to insert “of Part 15”.

Section 6 of the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013 introduced a new start your own business initiative. I have already signalled my intention to reduce the qualifying period of unemployment to 12 months in order to bring the qualifying period in line with activation measures for the long-term unemployed implemented by the Department of Social Protection. Deputy Michael McGrath suggested this change on Second Stage and I am glad to accept his amendment.

I do not propose to accept Deputy Boyd Barrett's amendment because it would reduce the qualifying period to nine months, which is not in line with the schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection.

Provision is also made to bring forward the start date for the initiative to 25 October 2013 to enable individuals to start up a new business immediately, whereas they would otherwise have had to postpone the commencement of the new business until 1 January 2014 in order to avail of the relief. Finally, the definition of a qualifying individual under this section is expanded to include individuals in receipt of partial capacity benefit. I commend amendments Nos. 29 to 32 and 34 to 37. I cannot accept amendment No. 33.