Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 March 2010
119 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the employment schemes or grants available for a community newspaper (details supplied); if any subsidised schemes exist for it to provide employment or training for those in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance or to employ people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10031/10]
View answerThe business referred to by the Deputy could avail of assistance through the Work Placement Programme. The programme is designed to provide unemployed people, including unemployed graduates, with the opportunity to obtain nine months work experience. The placement is unpaid but eligible participants retain their social welfare payments during their placement. Participants gain valuable work experience allowing them to keep their skills fresh and relevant to the job market. The business must meet with a number of eligibility criteria, including having no vacancies in the areas of activity in which the placement is offered. Furthermore, the placement cannot be provided to displace an existing employee and the business must not have made any person redundant in the last 3 months.
Another possible option would be the Wage Subsidy Scheme, which is available to employers, outside of the Public Sector. This scheme provides financial incentives to encourage the employment of persons with disabilities.
To pursue the above options further the business in question should contact FÁS in the first instance.
