Vol. 402 No. 8
21 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Labour if he will examine the possibility of instalment payments in respect of the employment incentive scheme, thereby changing the regulation which stipulates that the premiums are paid in one lump sum at the termination of the 39 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Up to 1986 payments under the employment incentive scheme were made every four weeks. However the system was extremely difficult and cumbersome to administer as employers had to complete and return reimbursement forms every four weeks which had to be checked by FÁS staff. Random visits to firms to inspect wages records were necessary as part of the checking procedure.
It was decided in 1986 to change to a lump sum basis of payment which is considered to be satisfactory and it is not proposed to reintroduce an instalment method of payment.
