Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:344. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to increase the weekly payment to JobBridge participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30939/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 October 2016
Ceisteanna (344)
Freagraí scríofa
As part of Budget 2017, I announced an increase of €5 in all maximum weekly payments for jobseekers, lone parents and people with disabilities, with proportionate increases for people in receipt of reduced rate payments. These increases will also be paid to JobBridge participants. The increases will be payable from March 2017.
I have already stated that I plan to replace JobBridge in response to criticisms of the scheme and the much improved economic and labour market conditions. It is important that the design of any new scheme be informed by the best available evidence. That is why I was waiting for the results of the independent evaluation of JobBridge by Indecon International Research in association with London Economics before finalising the design of any replacement scheme. I also asked the Labour Market Council for its views.
The Indecon report will be published today, along with the Labour Market Council’s observations, and I will then announce my own proposals for a new work placement programme.
Question No. 345 answered with Question No. 303.