asked the Minister for Labour if it is proposed to extend the period of the employment premium programme; and, if so, if he will consider easing the conditions attached to the programme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Premium Programme.
23.
The operation of the premium employment programme is at present being reviewed. As part of the review a number of possible changes in the programme are under consideration.
I expect to be able to make an announcement in the matter in the near future.
Is the scheme going well?
Well, 4,500 people have been brought back to work as a result of the scheme.
Does the Minister think that is satisfactory? It may well be.
Not in terms of the objective I set for the scheme which was 10,000 people, but the figure of 4,500 gives a basis for moderate satisfaction. The success of the scheme depends on the co-operation of the employers and also on the level of demand in the market. Otherwise the scheme encounters difficulties despite the fact that there is a grant from the Exchequer of £12 for every worker brought back on to the live register.
Will the Minister consider the construction industry for inclusion in the scheme?
As the Deputy is aware, there are many administrative difficulties in the way of that.
I appreciate that, but it is urgent that the Minister should have a look at it again.
We are reviewing the whole scheme.
Will the Minister consider the food processing industry in that reconsideration?
All relevant matters will be considered.
(Dublin Central): Would the Minister agree the sum of £12 is too small? Would he further agree—looking at the British Chancellor of the Exchequer's budget, the move he made to encourage people back to employment and the increase he gave in his employment premium—that he should increase the premium?
The British scheme is entirely different from ours.
(Dublin Central): It is a very attractive one.