Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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154. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of JobsPlus positions, as distinct from the companies which are participating, which have been taken up in counties Galway and Mayo; and if this scheme is kept under review to ensure that the widest possible number of organisations may avail of it. [44328/14]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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At the end of October 2014, JobsPlus supported 96 positions in Co Mayo and a further 194 positions in Co Galway. The number of businesses supported was 157 in Galway and 73 in Mayo.

JobsPlus is promoted to businesses in a variety of ways, including through the Department’s employer engagement teams at national and regional level working directly with employers and representative bodies. These teams provide a range of advice on services and supports available to meet their recruitment needs, including JobsPlus. In addition, the Department regularly presents to industry groups and employer fora on the supports available from the Department and other State agencies.

At the end of October 2014, JobsPlus provided grants to 2,576 employers in respect of 3,418 employees who were previously long-term jobseekers. Over sixty per cent of the employees supported were previously unemployed for two years or more.