Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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154. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons who were on the back to work enterprise allowance scheme are been given an extension if their two year duration fell during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28993/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market. The scheme plays a vital role in supporting the development of new enterprises for the long term unemployed. The BTWEA is payable to self-employed individuals for a 24 month period from the commencement of their new business.

All participants of the BTWEA will receive their full period of entitlement of 24 months. This includes anyone who contacted the Department to temporarily suspend their allowance while their business closed. Where someone suspended their BTWEA, they can avail of the remainder of their 24 months on reopening their business.

Aside from BTWEA, those in self-employment may have other income support options available from the Department depending on their circumstances. A BTWEA participant, whose 24 month payment comes to an end while their business continues to be impacted by current trading conditions, may be entitled to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or the means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance payment.

If there is a particular case that the Deputy has a concern about, my officials would be happy to examine it and advise of the options available.

I trust this clarifies the position at this time.