Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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46. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which back to work applications have been approved in each of the past three years to date; the extent to which those previously self-employed and PAYE workers continue to benefit from the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47334/14]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Back to Work schemes, the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) and the Short Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) assist those on certain social welfare payments who wish to become self-employed.

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 from time of approval: 100% in year one and 75% in year two. In the case of jobseekers, the qualifying period required for access to the BTWEA is 12 months in receipt of a jobseekers payment, provided a person has an underlying entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance. Jobseekers who were previously self-employed, similar to PAYE workers, may access social welfare supports including BTWEA by establishing eligibility to jobseeker’s allowance.

The STEA provides immediate access to those who have lost their jobs and qualify for jobseekers’ benefit and 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.

Information on accessing the scheme and supports for people considering starting their own business is available from DSP Intreo centres, local enterprise offices and local development companies. Further information is available on the Department’s website .

Information on the number of applications approved for Back to Work in each of the years 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 is set out in the table below.

Number of Back To Work Applications Approved 2012-2014