Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that he is taking to provide target supports to self-employed disabled people and disabled entrepreneurs. [53271/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone, including people with disabilities, intending to start or grow a business. In that regard, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as the Department of Social Protection, Revenue, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland.

The Local Enterprise Office grant supports are available to all entrepreneurs provided their business meets the general eligibility criteria, such as operating in manufacturing or internationally traded services and with up to 10 employees.

In addition, all entrepreneurs can avail of Local Enterprise Office training, mentoring and management development programmes. Furthermore, Local Enterprise Offices can provide additional support to entrepreneurs with disabilities such as one to one mentoring or accommodations to assist with the completion of grant application forms or to complete training courses such as Start Your Own Business.

Enterprise Ireland is also focused on ensuring that supports for entrepreneurs and enterprise are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. Enterprise Ireland continues to invest in additional content, available on eiLearn (eilearn.ie/) and are working in conjunction with stakeholders in the LEOs and third level colleges to develop new programmes and initiatives.

The Department of Social Protection provides specific supports to help people with disabilities to find and keep employment, including self-employment. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme encourages people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to become self-employed. If a person takes part in the BTWEA scheme they can keep a percentage of their social welfare payment for up to 2 years.