Written answers

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Department of Social Protection

Social Welfare Benefits

5:00 pm

Photo of Eric ByrneEric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the specific details of the back to work programme, the numbers involved and the rationale behind same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4605/12]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There are two back to work schemes available to assist people on certain social welfare payments who wish to become self-employed: namely the back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) and the short term enterprise allowance (STEA).

The BTWEA is designed to provide a monetary incentive for people who are dependent on certain social welfare payments to develop a business while allowing them to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment, over two years: 100% in year 1 and 75% in year 2. In the case of jobseekers, the qualifying period required for access to the BTWEA is 12 months, provided a person has an underlying entitlement to jobseeker's allowance. At the end of 2011, there were 10,751 participants on this scheme.

The STEA provides immediate access to support where people who have lost their jobs and qualify for jobseekers' benefit wish to set up a business. Payment under the scheme is at the same rate and for the same duration as their entitlement to jobseeker's benefit. There were 1,294 people availing of this scheme on the 31st December 2011. Under both schemes, the proposed business must be approved as viable and sustainable by an Integrated Development Company (Partnership) or a Department facilitator. Local social welfare offices also provide information and support services to people considering starting their own business. Details of all available schemes are on the Department's website www.welfare.ie

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