Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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112. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which means-tested social welfare payments remain available to the previously self-employed scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43903/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I assume the Deputy’s Question refers to access to jobseeker allowance for people previously engaged in self-employment. A self-employed person may apply for jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or their income reduces to a low level due a lack of demand for services. Jobseekers allowance is a means tested payment and income from self-employment activity is assessed by reference to the estimated net profit from the business concerned over the coming 12 months. It is recognised that the present downturn in the economy is having a significant impact on many self-employed persons and the consequent reduction in income and activity levels is reflected in any assessment of means from self-employment.

Where it is not possible to estimate income for the coming 12 months, the income for the most recent 12 month period is generally taken as a guide, allowing for any known changes in circumstances which are likely to have a significant effect on income. Accordingly, account is taken of the potential for significant upward or downward variations in income from one year to the next. For example, if a self-employed person lost a contract and was unlikely to find a substitute contract in the coming year, this would be factored into the estimate of future income. At present there are over 11,000 people in receipt of a jobseeker’s allowance payment who are also classified as self-employed, although the current level of engagement in business would vary greatly among this group.