60. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the supports in-place for self-employed people who must reduce their hours; the adequacy of these supports in the context of the rising cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67568/26]

Self-employed people are covered for many of the same contingencies as employees such as State Pension (Contributory), Bereaved Partners (Contributory) Pension, Maternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit, Guardians Payment (Contributory), Invalidity Pension, Parent's Benefit, Partial Capacity Benefit (where in receipt of Invalidity Pension), Paternity Benefit and Treatment Benefit.

In addition, my Department provides a range of income supports for people who fully or partially lose their self-employment, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) is a payment for self-employed people who have ceased self-employment and have paid enough Pay-Related Social Insurance contributions.  To be eligible for the payment a person must satisfy the statutory conditions of the scheme including being capable of work and available for full-time work, be genuinely seeking work and prove unemployment in the prescribed manner.  The payment can be made for up to six or nine months depending on the number of Pay-Related Social Insurance contributions the person has made.

I recently introduced a legislative provision to cover circumstances where a person sets up a business and it closes within two years.  Even though the person may not have any self-employment PRSI contributions in the Governing Contribution Year, they may qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed) if they have sufficient employment contributions paid at Class A or H in the relevant Governing Contribution Year.

A person in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) can work up for 3 days as an employee in insurable employment and retain their entitlement to the support.

Where a self-employed person is operating their business at reduced levels and does not meet the conditions for Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) they may receive support under the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance provided that they satisfy the conditions of that scheme.  If the person is self-employed, they may qualify depending on their earnings from their business.  They do not need to close their business or to stop working in their self-employed business to get Jobseeker’s Allowance.

My Department will continue to keep its range of supports under review to ensure that they meet their overall objectives.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.