Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

38 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Labour whether he is satisfied with the regulations under the social employment scheme whereby a supervisor must be appointed if there are five persons or more involved in the project and that his payment is fixed at 12 per cent of the total sum of payments made to other workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

There is no requirement under the conditions governing the social employment scheme for sponsors to recruit a supervisor. Almost all sponsors of projects however, with ten workers or more do so and many with fewer workers also choose to do so.

I am pleased to announce what I consider will be a significant improvement in the overall numbers and quality of SES supervisors. This improvement will come about as a result of the following changes which will be implemented by FÁS with effect from 30 April 1990: all private/ voluntary projects of five to 14 workers will be paid a flat-rate of £155 per week to employ a supervisor, and all private/ voluntary projects of 15 workers or more will be paid £175 per week to employ a supervisor. These new wage levels will be guaranteed for the 52 weeks of the project.