Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

222. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a back to work allowance is not available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29442/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person concerned has met with a departmental case officer on a number of occasions to discuss various self-employment options he was considering and the supports available from the department in this regard.

The back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) scheme is available to support persons who are long-term unemployed and wish to develop or take up self-employment opportunities. The scheme allows a qualified person to retain a reducing proportion of their social protection payment, plus secondary benefits over a two year period. However, it is important to note that given the nature of the taxi industry generally, and concerns about displacement of existing operators and viability, it is unlikely that a jobseeker would be approved for BTWEA in respect of taxiing. It is for these reasons that the person concerned has been advised that a BTWEA for this activity will not be approved at present.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.