Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

444. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an elected member of a local authority, who is currently in receipt of jobseeker's assistance, qualifies to take up employment through the Jobs Plus scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22379/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit employees who are long-term on the live register and those transitioning into employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment:

- €7,500 in respect of those who are 12 months or more on the live register; and

- A higher grant of €10,000 is paid in respect of those who have been unemployed for more than 24 months.

The incentive is paid in monthly instalments over a two year period provided the employment is maintained.

Eligibility has been broadened to include persons make the transition from the one-parent family payment to a jobseeker’s payment, as well as young jobseekers (under 25) who have been unemployed for at least four of the previous six months.

In keeping with current activation policy, as set out in the Pathways to Work, eligible employees under the JobsPlus incentive must be unemployed and recorded on the live register. Non live register payments are not considered eligible payment for JobsPlus incentive.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.