Butler questions Tánaiste on extending welfare benefits for self employed

Fine Gael Meath West TD and member of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee, Ray Butler has questioned the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, on the progress being made on extending social welfare benefits for the self-employed. Deputy Butler raised the matter in the Dáil by way of a Topical Issue Debate.

“I feel very strongly about the need to extend benefits for the self-employed. Small business owners were hit badly by the downturn and they are now playing a crucial role in our economic recovery. They should be offered some greater protections should they or their businesses get into trouble in the future.

“Progress has been made on this issue in recent months. ISME, the Self-Employed Alliance and a number of unions have spoken at length before the Social Protection Committee about their views on introducing a new stamp for the self-employed, which would offer security at vulnerable times, such as on close of business or in the case of illness or disability. I am encouraged at the response from the Self-Employed Alliance, which wholeheartedly favours the introduction of this form of new stamp.

“A group set up by Minister Burton to look at this issue has recommended that benefits for the self-employed should be extended to include cover for people who are permanently incapable of work because of the illness or incapacity. Work is ongoing on the group’s recommendations and the Minister has assured me she is going to look at the issue in further detail.

“I understand that there are some reservations within the small business sector about making any additional contributions mandatory. However, I would argue that making this form of stamp a voluntary payment would undermine the possibility of having sufficient social welfare funding available to cover the needs of the self-employed.

“Therefore, I believe a mandatory payment is required in order for this to work. As conditions in the small business sector are improving, now is the time to formally introduce this form of stamp, so we can provide social welfare cover to those who ordinarily would have no security if the present-day situation remains the same.

“I have spoken at length to Ministers Burton, Noonan and Bruton about the introduction of a new stamp and they have all reacted positively to this becoming a real option for the self-employed. I also welcome news that ISME is undertaking a survey of all their members on the issue, and I hope they will recognise the benefits of introducing a new stamp.”