Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
247. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be provided to the extension of the JobsPlus scheme to incorporate apprenticeships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13338/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit employees from the Live Register and those transitioning into employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 over two years - paid in monthly instalments provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed.
In March, the Department disbursed some €1.69 million to 3,279 employers in respect of 4424 employees being supported by JobsPlus.
In establishing JobsPlus, the Government’s priority was to engage and support employers to consider the long-term unemployed in their recruitment plans. In keeping with this priority, work of a part-time, seasonal, or short-tern nature is not supported by the initiative nor is employment of a training or work placement nature, including the provision of a subsidy to employers under apprentice schemes.
