Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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240. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the supports or incentives in place to encourage employers to hire persons who are long-term unemployed, that is, for more than one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15164/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit people who are long-term on the live register and those transitioning into employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 over two years, paid in monthly instalments, provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person has been on the Live Register. The €7,500 rate is paid to employers who recruit people who have been unemployed for more than one year. The €10,000 rate is paid to employers who recruit people who have been unemployed for more than two years.

The incentive is open to all eligible employers in the private, community and voluntary sectors, including those who are self-employed. It is available to all employers filling new positions or vacancies that arise as a consequence of natural turnover. Employers can find out more information and register for JobsPlus on the website www.jobsplus.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.