Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the current requirements for qualification for the employment incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Employment Incentive Scheme.
The employment incentive scheme is designed to encourage the recruitment by employers of persons who are long term unemployed, early school leavers and other disadvantaged persons. The eligibility conditions for the scheme reflect this focus and are as follows:
Persons eligible for recruitment under the scheme must have been unemployed in the period immediately preceding recruitment and must—
(1) be on the Live Register for the 52 weeks immediately preceding recruitment, or
(2) be eighteen years of age or under, unemployed and on the FÁS YOUTHREACH register, or
(3) be a disadvantaged person. This category includes disabled persons who are certified as such by the National Rehabilitation Board or by a rehabilitation centre, travellers and discharged prisoners. The requirement of having to be unemployed for a specific period will be waived in respect of such persons.
Employers eligible to participate—
(1) must be registered as employers with the Inspector of Taxes for taxation purposes and
(2) must not have received other employment grants from the State within the previous 12 months.
In addition any job assisted under any recurring grant from public moneys will not be eligible for assistance under the Employment Incentive Scheme.
The onus is on the employer to comply with all the conditions of the scheme.
Expenditure on the scheme in 1992 is projected at £3.36 million of which £1.108 million has been made available by the Exchequer with the balance coming from the European Social Fund. This level of expenditure will provide 1,380 approximately man years of activity.