Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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1173. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her enhancement plans (details supplied) for the JobsPlus scheme for the over 50s; the number of years will the subsidy of €10,000 will be paid; when the new scheme will come into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45649/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, 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. My Department pays an incentive to the employer monthly in arrears over a two-year period. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 and €10,000. The €7,500 is paid primarily in respect of those who are 12 months or more on the live register with the higher grant paid in respect of those who have been unemployed for more than 24 months.

A recent review of JobsPlus that was conducted by my Department found that workers over 50 years of age were under-represented on the scheme. In order to encourage the recruitment of older worker on the scheme, I am introducing the following changes from 1st of January 2018: Jobseekers aged over 50 years will qualify for the higher €10,000 incentive rate after 12 months on the Live Register.

For jobseekers aged less than 50 years, the qualifying period for receipt of the higher incentive rate has been increased from 24 to 36 months.

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

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.