Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there is any scheme, supports or advice for unemployed taxi drivers, particularly those who got out of the business due to penalty points. [54317/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Self-employed persons are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4% which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). Ordinary employees who have access to the full range of social insurance benefits pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4%. In addition, their employers make a PRSI contribution of 10.75% in respect of their employees, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A. (For employees earning less than €356 per week, the rate of employer’s PRSI is 4.25%).

Self-employed people, including taxi drivers, can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general, their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year and, in the current climate, account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. As in the case of a non-self-employed claimant for jobseeker’s allowance, the means of husband/wife, civil partner or co-habitant will be taken into account in deciding on entitlement to a payment. If a self-employed person's situation changes after they have made an initial claim for jobseeker's allowance, the person can apply to have his or her means reviewed in the light of these changed circumstances.

My Department operates a range of supports for unemployed people and people on other social welfare payments who wish to engage in enterprise, education and employment. For more complete information on all the schemes available, visit my Department’s website at or contact the Local Social Welfare Office. My Department’s Employment Services Officers work with social welfare recipients, to identify appropriate training or development programmes, which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. These officers are located throughout the country, covering defined geographical areas and develop individual progression plans with the customer. They work closely with FÁS, the VECs and other agencies at a local level to identify and target appropriate education, training and personal development opportunities.