I am taking the reference to a bursary as a reference to the wage subsidies to employers available under the JobsPlus initiative.
The JobsPlus incentive is designed to encourage employers and businesses to focus their recruitment efforts on those who have been out of work for long periods or on young people seeking work. JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers in the form of a monthly grant paid over two years with two levels of grant payable - €7,500 or €10,000 provided the employment is maintained. The level of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed. Eligibility was broadened in 2015 to include young jobseekers (under 25 year olds) unemployed for four months or more in the previous 6 months, and jobseekers transitioning from a one parent payment.
In June 2015, 3,674 employers were paid approximately €1.83 million in respect of 5,013 employees. A total of €23.3 million has been paid to employer since commencement of payments on JobsPlus in September 2013 to the end June 2015. Some €10.42 million has been paid this year to the end of June 2015. The provision of JobsPlus is €25.5 m. with the aim of supporting 6,000 employees in employment.