Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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42. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 25 years of age who would qualify for the JobsPlus incentive scheme as projected by her Department by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29254/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The JobsPlus incentive is designed to encourage employers and businesses to focus their recruitment efforts on those who have been out of work for long periods or on young people seeking work. JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers in the form of a monthly grant paid over two years with two levels of grant payable - €7,500 or €10,000 provided the employment is maintained. The level of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed. Eligibility was broadened in 2015 to include young jobseekers (under 25 year olds) unemployed for four months or more in the previous 6 months, jobseekers transitioning from a one parent

In June 2015, 3,674 employers were paid some €1.83 million in respect of 5,013 employees. Around 13.5% of supported employees were under 25 years of age (675). A total of €23.3 million has been paid to employer since commencement of payments on JobsPlus in September 2013 to the end June 2015. Some €10.42 million has been paid this year to the end of June 2015. The provision of JobsPlus is €25.5 million with the aim of support 6,000 employees in employment.

As of 14th July 2015, 39,769 jobseekers under 25 meet the criteria for JobsPlus. The data is not recorded on a county by county basis. The table under sets out this data by DSP divisions.