24/06/2009

Govt Launches €1bn Job Protection Plan

The Government has announced it is to make up to €1bn available to subsidise and protect Irish jobs.

Revealing the plan last night, the Government said the vast sum would be used in a Temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme, to assist up to 30,000 workers whose jobs are in jeopardy as part of a national economic recovery plan.

The Government has also proposed measures to tackle problems with pensions, home repossessions and private sector pay.

Announcing the fund, the Government said the up to €1 billion could eventually be offered but it would be conditional on the effectiveness of the employment subsidy scheme, while initially €250m would be provided to support workers in vulnerable sectors.

However, Fine Gael's Employment Spokesman Leo Varadkar criticised the subsidy as an "ineffective sop", which he claimed "will not work".

Mr Varadkar said the fund would only help a small number of selected companies in the traded sector and would be unlikely to save many jobs.

“The Government should adopt Fine Gael’s proposals to cut VAT, abolish the Travel Tax and reduce employers’ PRSI instead of offering a €250 million subsidy to IBEC and the unions," Mr Varadkar said.

He added: "Until the economy is restored to competitiveness, companies will continue to suffer and jobs will continue to be lost. No scheme, subsidy or clever wheeze can restore prosperity. We need to get the fundamentals right in our economy.

"Fine Gael’s proposals would help all businesses, large and small, by stimulating demand and reducing prices and business costs across the economy."

(DW/BMcC)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

04 July 2014
National Oversight And Audit Commission Established
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan has announced the establishment of the National oversight and Audit Commission, (NoAC), for the local government sector.
10 June 2008
Unemployment Level Reaches Unprecedented Level
New unemployment figures have revealed those collecting dole cheques have reached the 200,000 mark. The Live Register, which outlines the numbers collecting state welfare, is now at the highest level this decade.
12 September 2013
More Growth And Job Creation Needed In Ireland - OECD
Ireland's economy is now showing encouraging signs of recovery from the financial crisis, but more must be done to reinvigorate growth and create the jobs that will get the country back to full health, according to the OECD.
13 February 2009
Tutu Gives Irish Downturn Advice
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has offered some food for thought on the current economic crisis in Ireland. The Bishop urged Irish people to put their current economic difficulties into perspective.
06 August 2009
Job Protection Scheme Launched
The Taniaste has announced a €250million subsidy scheme aimed at protecting almost 30,000 jobs. The scheme will involve the payment of a subsidy to firms to keep a person in employment for a period of 15 months.