Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

27. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions that he has taken to support and promote self-employment as a viable option for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53852/22]

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 everybody, 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.

All entrepreneurs can avail of LEO training, mentoring and management development programmes. Furthermore, LEOs 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.

Direct LEO grants are available to all entrepreneurs whose businesses meet the eligibility criteria including operating in manufacturing or internationally traded services.

Enterprise Ireland is 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.

In addition to the above, the Department of Social Protection can provide 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.