Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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332. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the incentives that exist for a farmer considering taking on a farm labourer, who is on jobseeker's allowance on a part-time basis; the repercussions for someone on jobseeker's allowance, who is also receiving rent supplement, if they were to take up a job, one, two or five days a week; if there is a transition period in terms of moving from unemployment to part-time employment; if a farmer could take on someone on jobbridge or if there are other such schemes available to reactivate someone into the jobs market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39624/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Government provides a range of other supports across various Departments and agencies to meet the objectives set out in Pathways to Work and the Action Plan for Jobs. JobsPlus is the IS Department primary incentive to encourage employers to expand their work forces by focusing recruitment on those on the Live Register. Both JobsPlus and JobBridge are open to all employers in the private (including commercial semi-state), community, not-for-profit and voluntary sectors.

In order to qualify for access to JobsPlus, an employer must be a legal entity and/or a charity recognised by the Revenue Commissioners (with a CHY number) and registered with the Revenue Commissioners as a PAYE employer. Other legally recognised forms of business are eligible, including partnerships, sole traders, trusts and unincorporated bodies provided these are recognised by the Revenue Commissioners and are registered as a PAYE employer. The requirement is similar for JobBridge but the employer must have a minimum of one full time employee who is employed for 30 hours or more per week (i.e. on payroll and subject to PAYE and PRSI). JobsPlus will support new employment opportunities where the employer is prepared to offer full time employment of at least 30 hours per week, spanning at least four days per week.

It is not always possible to provide a definitive position with respect to the repercussions for a jobseeker of taking up employment given the interaction of personal and family circumstances with a range of schemes and benefits. With respect to rent supplement, jobseekers may retain an entitlement, subject to a means test, while engaged in full-time employment as long as they are eligible for housing support under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).

Full details for each programme are set out in JobsPlus.ie and JobBridge.ie and specific enquiries can be made directly with the Department’s national network of offices.