Call for JobsPlus to extend to Farm Assist recipients – Griffin

Fine Gael Kerry TD, Brendan Griffin, has called for recipients of Farm Assist to become eligible for participation in the JobsPlus Scheme.

“The JobsPlus Scheme provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers recruiting people who have been on the Live Register for a long period of time. The incentive is worth between €7,500 and €10,000 to employers over two years.

“I have met many recipients of Farm Assist in Kerry who have been looking for employment for a long time. These people are currently not able to avail of JobsPlus, a scheme which has so far supported 2,634 people returning to full-time employment since it was launched in July 2013 up until the end of June 2014. 60% of those who have availed of JobsPlus had been on the Live Register for at least two years.

“I also believe that JobsPlus should also be open to fishermen and women on Fish Assist. These people find themselves in the exact same position as those on Farm Assist.

“I have put my suggestions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD. She has said that while Farm Assist recipients are currently not eligible for JobsPlus, the workings of the scheme are being reviewed and this review will inform any proposals for its development and expansion.

“JobsPlus incentivises employers to select their employees from among those who have been on the Live Register for a long time. I am confident that this scheme would be hugely beneficial to those on Farm Assist and Fish Assist, and I will continue to discuss this option with my Government colleagues.”