Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1799. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if back to work allowance can be reconsidered in the case of a person (details supplied); if their eligibility can be urgently reconsidered in view of their anxiety to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37366/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 in a new enterprise. 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 if the business proposed does not involve the setting up a new enterprise it will not be eligible for support under the scheme.

The person concerned wishes to commence taxi driving and has agreed to rent a car and radio from a local taxi company. Taxi drivers are not supported under BTWEA for new business start-ups and in this instance the taxi business is already an established business. The person concerned has been offered an appointment with a Case Officer to discuss further options. He is also working with the local Jobpath provider who are working with him in this regard also.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.