asked the Minister for Labour whether he will amend the regulations in relation to the enterprise scheme so as to enable those who have lost their employment but continue as part-time firemen to qualify for same.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Enterprise Scheme.
1.
The conditions of the enterprise scheme are designed to achieve the objective of assisting unemployed persons to set up their own businesses at minimum cost to the State.
The conditions require a person to be unemployed and signing on the live register and in receipt of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance for the 13 weeks immediately preceding entry to the scheme. In addition, there are certain conditions regarding the viability of the business.
While part-time workers are generally excluded from the scheme, I have decided that on account of the unique position of part-time firemen that they should be eligible for participation provided they meet the other conditions.
The final decision regarding participation rests with FÁS.
I had five different arguments prepared to convince the Minister as to why he should adopt my suggestion but he has taken the wind out of my sails by telling me that he has taken my idea on board. I thank him for being flexible enough to accept this idea. It will be of benefit to a small number of people but these people are doing service to the country by contributing as part-time firemen. I appreciate the response from the Minister.
The reason I came down in favour of Deputy O'Keeffe's argument — I am sure it is the point he would have made — is that part-time firemen are paid a retainer but it is a very small retainer and they receive small hourly payments for fire drill and for fire duty. However they are still entitled to sign on and are paid the full rate with no deductions. That, in my view, puts them within the category.