Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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689. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons on the disability allowance can avail of the enterprise support grant. [42179/21]

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

The Enterprise Support Grant (ESG) is a non-statutory payment to provide financial support to a new business owner, in addition to that provided under BTWEA. Financial support is provided to a BTWEA recipient under the ESG towards the purchase of items of business supports such as mentoring, business equipment and public liability insurance.

I have also introduced an ESG grant for businesses impacted by Covid-19. This grant is available to assist eligible self-employed recipients who close their Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment to re-start their business.

I trust this clarifies the position for you.