Richard Bruton
Question:417 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare the numbers who are availing of the part-time allowance; the average number of weeks for which it was paid to claimants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme.
The part-time job incentive scheme is designed to allow long term unemployed persons to work part-time for up to 24 hours a week while receiving a flat rate allowance instead of their unemployment payments. The scheme was introduced on a pilot basis in September 1986 and was extended nationwide at the end of 1988. The allowances are currently £35 for a single person and £58 for a married person with a dependent spouse. There are 319 persons participating in the scheme at present.
Persons accepted onto the scheme are taken off the live register and participation is limited to one year. Statistics are not maintained regarding the average number of weeks spent on the scheme in cases where participation lasts for less than a year.
The question of extending the period of participation beyond one year is currently under review.