Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

First, people are in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. A married person with a spouse and three children would possibly get €400 or €500 per week in the total social welfare package.

The figure will be significantly higher if, for instance, he or she is also in receipt of rent supplement. Giving people an additional top-up of €50 is intended to assist with travel costs and other expenses associated with taking part in JobBridge.

Deputy Higgins referred to the motor industry. He may not be aware that large numbers of people, particularly young men, are extremely interested in working in all parts of the motor trade. Unfortunately, as a result of the collapse in construction and crash in the economy, full-time apprenticeships in this type of employment are only now being restored. While this type of work may be beneath Deputy Higgins, it is certainly of interest to some people who have taken it up.

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