asked the Minister for Labour if the present payment for those employed on social employment schemes will be adjusted in line with the proposed increases in social welare payments due to take effect from July; and if he will issue a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.
175.
Following a recent Government decision in relation to the social employment scheme, it was decided to increase the weekly payments to SES participants with an adult dependant, from £70 to £85. This increase took effect from 1 May 1986. I am not contemplating making any further changes at the moment. However, I will keep all aspects of the scheme, including the wages payable, under review.
I might add that SES wages are in respect of a 40 hour fortnight. They are higher than social welfare payments for many persons on the live register. The scheme has already achieved its target of 10,000 participants for 1986.
176.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of persons employed by local authorities under the social employment scheme who are aged (a) over 25 years, and (b) under 25 years.
Information of the sort sought by the Deputy is not readily available and would take some time to produce. However, a recent survey of a sample of SES participants indicated that approximately 3 per cent of the total were under 25.
Approximately 70 per cent of the 10,000 persons currently employed on social employment scheme projects are employed by local authorities.
The Deputy will be aware that the rules of the social employment scheme provide that in particular circumstances, up to 10 per cent of participants on any given projects may be under 25.