asked the Minister for Labour (a) the number of persons in respect of whom payments under the Employment Incentive Scheme are being made; and (b) the number of such persons who are in employment categories brought into the scheme since 5th July, 1977.
Written Answers. - Employment Incentive Scheme.
230.
To date payments under the Employment Incentive Scheme as it applies to manufacturing industry and agriculture have been made in respect of 1,875 persons. In addition, applications in respect of the recruitment of a further 1,410 persons are being processed.
Since 5th July, 1977, I have extended the scope of the scheme to include employment in the hotel and catering industry, the services sector and the building and construction industry. Details of the scheme as applying to these sectors have just been finalised after consultation with the various interests and the necessary documentation is being issued to all employers who have expressed an interest. Applications have yet to be received so that I am not now in a position to give the numbers likely to be involved. The scheme will be retrospective to September in respect of these new sectors.