Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2010
81 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the PRSI employers incentive scheme has been promoted; the number of employers and employees covered under the scheme so far and the number of applications currently outstanding and his plans to extend the scheme into 2011. [43863/10]
View answerThe Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme has been promoted through a number of channels. Information on the scheme is available on the Department's website www.welfare.ie and also on the FÁS website. The main information web page on this scheme on the Department's website was viewed 10,790 times between 21 June and 12 November 2010. There have also been a number of press releases in relation to the scheme.
In addition, information regarding the scheme was circulated through a number of agencies including Forfás, the Small firms Association and IBEC. Information was also disseminated to the 3,754 people who have subscribed (free of charge) to the Department of Social Protection's PRSI mailing list. This mailing list primarily comprises employers and tax practitioners. Up to 19 November 2010, applications were received from 849 employers in respect of 1,567 employees. 616 employers have been awarded exemptions in respect of 1,028 employees. 274 employers have had claims in respect of 391 employees rejected.
An additional 103 employers have applied for exemptions in respect of 148 employees. Employers have been contacted to provide information or clarifications in relation to 102 of these employees which will allow their claims to be progressed to a decision. There are further applications in respect of the remaining 46 employees on hands.
The scheme is open to employers who create new and additional jobs in 2010. Successful applicants are exempted from liability to pay their share of PRSI for certain employees for 12 months from the date they are approved for the scheme. Extension of the scheme into 2011 is a matter for the Government to consider in a budgetary context.
