asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people he expects to be removed from the live register as a result of the new part-time employment scheme recently announced; and the savings that will accrue as a result.
Written Answers. - Part-time Employment Scheme.
15.
The part-time job incentive scheme allows persons who have been receiving long term unemployment payments to take up part-time work for up to 24 hours a week and receive a flat rate allowance from my Department instead of their unemployment payment entitlements. The allowances are £27 for a single person and £45 for a married person with a dependent spouse.
It is not possible to estimate either the likely take-up under the part-time job incentive scheme or the resultant savings. Take-up under the scheme will depend on the availability of part-time work and how attractive potential participants will find the scheme in the light of their own circumstances. The scheme will be promoted widely and will be offered as an option through the Jobsearch programme.