Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if social welfare officers are acting upon the chief executive officer of the Road Safety Authority request that due to the reduced market size of his industry, no funding will be provided to persons by his Department to enable them to become approved driving instructors; if this request is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25953/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Social Protection operates the short term enterprise allowance (STEA) and back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) schemes to assist unemployed people who wish to take up self employment.

A person in receipt of a social welfare payment who decides to set up as an approved driving instructor may be eligible to apply for STEA or BTWEA. However, one of the important steps under both schemes is that those taking up self-employment must first have their business venture approved as viable and sustainable.

This will be done by the relevant integrated development company (formerly known as partnership company) or 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, on "Start Your Own Business" courses and other relevant aspects.

Each application for STEA or BTWEA is decided on its merits within the criteria set down for the scheme. In assessing viability, cognisance is taken of the demand for, and supply of, the particular service at local level.

In his letter to the Department, the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Safety Authority urged that, in light of over supply of driving instructors, anyone seeking to enter the trade undertakes the appropriate market research regarding volumes of work present. The Chief Executive Officer's letter has been brought to the attention of the Department's Facilitation Service.