Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

490. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of hours per week that workers on the job initiative scheme are required to work; if this includes time for tea breaks in the morning and afternoon; the length of lunch break provided for; if time for lunch breaks is included in the working hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38632/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Job Initiative (JI) Programme is one of a range of activation supports and programmes provided by my Department, catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market.

The JI programme is sponsored by local community groups/statutory organisations (Managing Agents) wishing to benefit the local community. My Department provides financial support in the form of allowances and funding to assist with the programme, including wages, materials/overheads grants and training grants.

The Managing Agent is entitled to claim funding towards the cost of wages. In general employees work 39 hours per week, excluding breaks. Funding is not provided to cover the cost of breaks.

As the employer, the Managing Agent is responsible for all matters concerning the management and welfare of participants. It is their responsibility to be familiar with all relevant employment legislation and to ensure that statutory entitlements with regards to breaks are met.