asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons signing at employment exchanges in County Meath who have, in the past year, availed of (a) the part-time education initiative, (b) the voluntary work option, (c) the part-time job incentive and (d) the pre-retirement allowance.
Written Answers. - Employment Schemes Participants.
161.
There are three branch employment offices in County Meath situated in Trim, Navan and Kells. Statistics are not maintained in a manner which show separately the number of unemployed persons who are participating in part-time educational courses while continuing to claim unemployment assistance or benefit. No claimant at the offices in question has chosen to avail of the voluntary work option.
In the past year eight unemployed persons from the three offices have opted for the part-time job incentive scheme. Six persons are currently participating in the scheme. Regulations are being finalised at present which will bring the pre-retirement allowance scheme into operation early in the new year.