asked the Minister for Labour if he proposes to reduce the qualifying period of 13 weeks in receipt of unemployment assistance for applicants under the enterprise allowance scheme.

I do not propose to reduce the qualifying period of 13 weeks in receipt of unemployment assistance or benefit under the enterprise allowance scheme.

The enterprise allowance scheme is aimed primarily at persons who have a proven record of unemployment and who are dependent on unemployment payments. To meet this objective and also to ensure that the operation of the scheme is cost-effective it is essential that an adequate minimum qualifying period of unemployment payments is laid down in the entry conditions. I consider 13 weeks to be a reasonable period.

Will the Minister agree that this scheme was set up for unemployed people, to initiate small projects in both manufacturing and services? It is immaterial whether they are on unemployment assistance or unemployment benefit, will he not agree that if an unemployed person has the initiative to set up a project he should get assistance?

The Deputy will be aware that a proportion of those who lose their jobs are always able to place themselves quickly in employment because of their particular skills. It would lead to dead-weight effects in the scheme if it were to cater for people immediately they become unemployed. Many people with a variety of skills may find alternative employment within the 13-week period. These who are unfortunately out of work for that period are eligible under the terms of the scheme.

Would the Minister agree that, if people get an allowance to set up a new industry or a weekly allowance, the emphasis should be on creating jobs? Would the Minister agree that many people operating under the enterprise allowance scheme were eventually in a position to take on other workers from the dole queues? In view of that, does the Minister agree that they should get every possible assistance?

That is a separate question.