Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 5

Written Answers. - Employment Subsidy Schemes.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

109 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the reason, in the revised employment subsidy schemes introduced in 1994, the construction sector was excluded from eligibility; and the reason painting and decorating is not eligible for inclusion in view of the large number of jobs created by a contractor (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will reconsider their inclusion in view of the extra employment opportunities that could be created and retained in this sector.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

A revised employment subsidy scheme was not introduced in 1994. In fact the employment subsidy scheme which was introduced in February, 1992, for a period of one year only with EU agreement and financial assistance, closed for applications on 26 February, 1993. All sectors including the Construction Industry were eligible for assistance under the scheme which subsidised employers who provided full-time employment opportunities for people on the Live Register for at least eight weeks. The subsidy was for 1 year provided those recruited were retained in employment for 78 weeks. Payments are still on-going in respect of applications submitted prior to the closing date of 26 February, 1993. About 8,500 unemployed people were recruited under the scheme.

The employment incentive scheme which provides for the recruitment by employers across all sectors of the long term unemployed, early school leavers and other disadvantaged categories is continuing and is currently operating at capacity level relative to the resources available this year.

The participation of a particular employer in these schemes is a day to day matter for FAS.