Vol. 536 No. 2
137 Mr. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that workers on the job initiatives scheme did not get any increase in wages under the recent round of increases; the plans she has to have the rate payable to these workers increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13547/01]
138 Mr. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workers who are on the job initiatives scheme. [13548/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 138 together.
An increase in the grant payable to managing agents on the job initiative programme – JI – has been sanctioned. The grant will increase from £220 to £238 per participant, per week, and will be backdated to 1 April 2001. Managing agents may retain up to 12% of the FÁS grant towards training and development of the participants, administration costs and overheads of the project. The grant increase will, therefore, provide for a new minimum payment to JI participants of £209.43, representing an increase of £15.83 per week on the previous minimum payment. There were 2,736 participants on JI at the end of April 2001.
