Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We undertook a review in 2016 that focused on assessing the extent to which the allowance was meeting its objectives and on the identification of best practice for future change. The review found that the scheme offered effective supports for long-term unemployed people with a genuine interest in self-employment as a route to entering or re-entering the labour market. The review suggested the project should continue. The review outcomes were encouraging. The review compared those who remained on the scheme for the full two years with those who did not participate. It found that those who completed the scheme were twice as likely to be off the live register six months later than those who did not take part. The trend was also evident after more than 18 months. As such, there is consistency. The review found that follow-up engagement with participants who commenced on the scheme in the first few months of their new business ventures was important to the ongoing support and morale those people needed. The follow-up is critical to identify where referrals to future supports and mentoring may be required from other State agencies and to establish progress with our new enterprises.

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