asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the job incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Job Incentive Scheme.
24.
The part-time job incentive scheme allows long-term unemployed persons to take up part-time work for up to 24 hours a week and receive a special income supplement instead of their usual unemployment payments. Those who take part in the scheme will get an income supplement of £27 a week for a single person and £45 for a married person with a dependent spouse. The supplement is not affected by earnings from the part-time job.
Following a successful pilot period in which the scheme ran in 17 locations around the country the scheme is now being launched nationwide. Over the next few weeks every eligible unemployed person will receive a copy of the information leaflet about the scheme. In addition arrangements are being made to offer the scheme as an option through the Jobsearch programme.