Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support a matter (details supplied) [14083/09]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people allocated funds from the back to work enterprise allowance scheme to enter the taxi industry in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the value of funding allocated through the BTWEA for people entering the taxi industry in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14094/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 252 together.

A breakdown by occupation or the nature of the self-employment of recipients of the back to work enterprise allowance scheme is not available from records held by the Department.

A person in receipt of a social welfare payment who decides to set up a business may be eligible to apply for the back to work enterprise allowance. In order to qualify, a person must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a certain duration, which is two years in the case of a person on a jobseeker's payment. Those taking up self-employment must first have their self-employment project approved as viable and sustainable.

In partnership areas this will be done by the partnership company. In non-partnership areas this will be done by the Department's local facilitator. Approval normally involves an interview with the applicant to assess the viability of the proposed project, to provide advice on funding or on "Start Your Own Business" courses and other relevant aspects. Each application for the back to work enterprise allowance is decided within the criteria set down for the scheme.