65. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection whether, given the Government's stated ambition to support entrepreneurship and small business growth, he believes that the Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) scheme and the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance remain fit for purpose in the modern economy; and whether a review of both schemes will be undertaken. [66710/26]

My Department offers a range of employment supports to jobseekers including back to work schemes which support the commencement of self-employment.

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who are interested in self-employment as a route to re-entering the labour market.  The allowance is payable at 100% of the primary payment for year 1, reducing to 75% for year 2.

To qualify for Back to Work Enterprise Allowance a person is required to have received an eligible income support payment continuously for 9 months.  An applicant who is a part-time or casual worker is required to be in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment for 12 months immediately prior to the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance application.

The proposed business must be a new enterprise and based in Ireland.  As part of the application process, there is an assessment of suitability of the proposed business.  The applicant is referred to the Enterprise Officer in the Local Development Company who works with the applicant to complete the business plan.  The enterprise must be recommended by both the Enterprise Officer and the DSP Employment Personal Advisor before a final decision is made to award the allowance.  This process ensures that the individual is supported by the Local Development Company to plan for the successful launch of their business.

In addition, the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance scheme provides support to customers of Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit to avail of self-employment opportunities by allowing them to retain their Jobseekers payment rate for the remaining duration of their claim.  The proposed business must be a new enterprise and based in Ireland.  As part of the application process, there is an assessment of suitability of the proposed business and a recommendation by the Employment Personal Advisor before the claim is awarded.

In addition, those interested in commencing self-employment may have entitlement to support under the Jobseeker's Allowance scheme.  Means derived from their self-employment would be assessed and a weekly Jobseeker's Allowance rate may be payable.

Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed (JBSE) is a weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection to people who lose their self-employment.  It is not designed for those commencing self-employment.

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