1. What is JobsPlus?
JobsPlus is a new employer incentive which encourages and rewards employers who offer employment opportunities to the long term unemployed. This incentive replaces the Employer Job (PRSI) Exemption and Revenue Job Assist schemes from 1st July 2013. Regular cash payments will be made to qualifying employers to offset wage costs where they engage jobseekers from the Live Register.
In order to qualify an employer must offer full time employment of at least 30 hours per week, spanning at least four days per week to eligible recruits (i.e. that employee must be on payroll and subject to PAYE and PRSI).
2. What is the value of the JobsPlus incentive?
The incentive will provide two levels of payments biased in favour of people who are long term unemployed: a payment of €7,500 over two years to an employer for each person recruited who has been unemployed for more than 12 but less than 24 months; and €10,000 over two years to an employer for each person recruited who has been unemployed for more than 24 months.
3. How will the incentive be paid?
Payment will be made monthly in arrears by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) – no other method of payment is available. A qualifying employer must specify the receiving bank account at the time of application. A monthly remittance slip will issue to employers outlining the employees to which the JobsPlus incentive refers.
4. When does the JobsPlus incentive start?
Eligible employers who recruit full time employees on or after 1st July 2013 may apply for JobsPlus, which will initially operate on a pilot basis for a period of six months.
5. I am an employer – how do I apply to fill a vacancy with JobsPlus support?
Once an employer decides to recruit an additional employee they can log on to www.jobsplus.ieand complete an online application form which gathers basic information such as name of company, size of workforce, bank details, economic sector of company and includes providing permission for an officer of the Department of Social Protection to check their tax clearance certificate online. Once this is submitted an officer of the Department will review, check the tax clearance certificate is in order and if approved will respond promptly to the employer via e-mail.
6. What is the next step once I’ve registered?
Once an employer receives eligibility confirmation from the Department they may proceed with their recruitment. At this stage an employer could contact his local Intreo Centre or employment services office for details of suitably experienced and qualified candidates for their vacancy. An employer may also wish to consider advertising their vacancy on www.jobsireland.ie.
7. When and how do I ascertain whether my job candidates are eligible employees under the JobsPlus incentive?
When an employer has conducted preliminary interviews and shortlisted candidates they should then advise these candidates to log on to www.jobsplus.ieto determine their eligibility for the incentive as an employee. The Department of Social Protection will process this request from the candidate and revert to candidates with eligibility status by mailing a two part JP1 form to the candidate – Part A of the JP1 form will confirm eligibility and rate of payment for a prospective employer, Part B to be completed by employer should they chose to employ the candidate. The candidate should bring the two part JP1 form confirming eligibility to the employer for consideration.
8. I have chosen my preferred candidate(s) for the job, what do I do next?
Once you offer the position to the successful candidate, they should close their Jobseeker’s claim online at www.welfare.ieor by going to their local Intreo Centre/Social Welfare Local Office. Payment of JobsPlus to the employer can only commence once the Department confirms the Jobseeker’s claim of the employee has closed.
9. Is there a limit on the number of people that an employer can employ under the JobsPlus scheme?
JobsPlus is being launched initially on a pilot basis. There are no limits to the number of eligible employees any one employer may hire under the incentive. The associated budget for the scheme is set at a level that would support in the region of 2,500 jobs in this pilot phase.
10. I get very busy for the summer months and would like to hire somebody to work full-time for the summer months. Am I eligible to apply for the JobsPlus incentive?
No. Part-time employment and jobs which are short-term and/or seasonal will not be eligible under the JobsPlus incentive.
Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD
19th July 2013
Last Updated: August 13, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Referendum on the Abolition of Seanad Éireann
The purpose of the Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill 2013 is to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to hold a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad.
The referendum will be held on 4th October 2013 on which day the Government is also holding a referendum on the establishment of a Court of Civil Appeal.
In July 2009 at the MacGill Summer School, Enda Kenny announced that Fine Gael was embarking on a root and branch analysis of the political system. As part of that analysis, Fine Gael looked in detail at the role of the Seanad and came to the clear conclusion that reforming it was not realistic or achievable.
The key difficulty with all of the proposals for reform is that they take the existence of the Seanad, with its widely-acknowledged flaws, as a given. It would either remain an unrepresentative elitist composition or a directly elected entity that would seek to duplicate the Dail.
Instead, the correct approach is to start by asking whether we need a second House at all and Fine Gael doesn’t believe so.
For 75 years political insiders have discussed and debated Seanad reform. 10 reports on reform of the second house have been published since it was established in 1938. Yet not a single one has been implemented.
The proposed abolition of the Seanad is part of this Government’s comprehensive programme of political reform—a programme that will establish a new politics in our Republic, one that is more accountable, more democratic and more responsive.
To see the full text of the Bill, please click here: Seanad Bill
Mary Mitchell O’Connor
13.8.13
Last Updated: August 12, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Mitchell O’Connor delighted at progress on purchase of Pres. site for recreational use
Friday, 9th August 2013
Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Friday) welcomed the progress that is being made on the purchase of the Pres. site in Glasthule by the local Council, which intends to retain it for recreational use for the local community.
“I am delighted with the news that the Manager’s Order for the purchase of the Pres. site by Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council is being signed by the County Manager, Owen Keegan, today. The long and protracted history of this site meant that for some time the future use of the sports field looked to be in jeopardy. Following a negotiation process, a deal has now been struck which allows the Council to acquire the freehold and leasehold interests in the site for a total €1.625 million.
“The fact that the amount being paid by the Council exceeds the market value of €1.250 million, as determined by the City Valuer, reflects the Council’s desire to keep the site in local use. The County Manager recognises that playing pitches are in relatively short supply in the area and has gone to great lengths to ensure that the site is retained for sports and recreational activities.
“We are lucky that the Council is in a position to use its capital balances to pay the premium price which is being sought. I acknowledge that Mr. Ben Dunne is making a considerable loss on what he originally paid for the site and I am thankful that he came to the decision to sell, as the benefits for the local area will be immeasurable.
“Everyone who has been involved in bringing these negotiations to a successful conclusion is to be commended for their hard work and efforts. Local residents and sporting hopefuls alike will no doubt be thrilled that this saga is finally coming to such a satisfying end.”
Last Updated: August 13, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Dún Laoghaire welcomes Gathering of Chinese art students – Mitchell O’Connor
Chinese art group on painting trip around Ireland
Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire Mary Mitchell O’Connor has welcomed the latest official Gathering event this morning, with a group of 15 Chinese visitors arriving at the Maritime Museum and the picturesque promenade in Dún Laoghaire. An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr. Carrie Smyth greeted the group at the Museum and was delighted to hear of the groups plans to further explore the scenic sights of Dún Laoghaire, taking in Dalkey, Killiney and beyond, pausing for breaks along the route to paint the stunning landscapes they encounter.
The visit comes hot on the heels of the latest official data on overseas travel from the Central Statistics Office, which has reported an increase of overseas visitor numbers to Ireland up 5.4% for first half of this year, the year of The Gathering.
“We in Dún Laoghaire have a particularly strong programme of festivals and events throughout the year and we are delighted to welcome more and more diverse groups from places such as China. Through DLRCC’s ‘Continuing the Conversation’ arts policy, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council commits to engaging in an on-going dialogue and looks forward to working with artists, individuals, organisations and groups so that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown continues to grow and develop as a vibrant home for the arts.”
After Dun Laoghaire just this week welcomed another massive boost from an estimated 2,000 visitors from the Cunard Line cruise ship Queen Elizabeth, Deputy Mitchell O’Connor also pointed to the fact that a Shanghai newspaper has voted Ireland as the ‘most popular’ destination for 2012 and urged readers to visit in 2013: “The Oriental Morning Post award is voted on by the newspaper’s readers and by travel specialists. The number of Chinese people travelling overseas has grown by an average of +22% per year since 2000; and forecasts for the next decade suggest an even greater rise. While visitor numbers from China are relatively small, it is well known that visitors from China spend more than the average visitor from closer-to-home markets.”
The Chinese group is in Ireland filming a documentary on painting in Ireland for Chinese TV in association with the well-known artist Frank Clarke of ‘Simply Painting’ fame. Frank has been working with Chinese art groups in China for over 10 years now, and was keen to showcase the beauty of Ireland to his Chinese friends.
Mary Mitchell O’Connor
Friday, 9th Aug 2013
Last Updated: August 14, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Closure of M&S in Dun Laoghaire hugely disappointing – Mitchell O’Connor
Lack of parking in the town is forcing shoppers to go elsewhere
Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has expressed her disappointment this afternoon (Wednesday) at the news that the Marks & Spencer store in Dun Laoghaire is to close as part of a strategic review of the company nationally.
Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said the lack of parking in the town has without doubt played a part in the volume of traffic shopping at the store, saying a resolution to the problem needs to be found before more retailers are forced to shut up shop.
“The news that the M&S Simply Food store in Dun Laoghaire is set to close in ten days’ time is shocking and my thoughts are, first and foremost, with the staff who will bear the brunt of this decision.
“There have been a significant number of shop closures in Dun Laoghaire in recent years and it is no secret among the local community that the lack of parking spaces in the town is forcing shoppers into the arms of retailers that have ample space and that provide free parking. In the instances that parking spaces can be found in Dun Laoghaire, the astronomical costs attached to hourly rates is acting as another disincentive to shoppers, who opt instead for the hassle and charge free options that are available on Pottery Road and further afield.
“A taskforce has been set-up to look at ways to address the issue and the Dun Laoghaire Business Association and the Dun Laoghaire Chamber of Commerce have been instrumental in seeking to resolve the problem. In September we will see the appointment of a new County Manager who will have to give this issue his/her full attention in a bid to addressing the needs of local shoppers and securing the future of retailers in the area.”
Mary Mitchell O’Connor
Wednesday, 7th August 2013
Last Updated: August 12, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Success of The Gathering brings welcome boost to Dun Laoghaire businesses – Mitchell O’Connor
Recovery in tourist trade is welcome boost for economy
Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire Mary Mitchell O’Connor has welcomed the latest official data on overseas travel from the Central Statistics Office, which has reported an increase of overseas visitor numbers to Ireland up 5.4% for first half of this year, the year of The Gathering.
“These figures confirm what I have been hearing from business owners on the ground in Dun Laoghaire for some time. Overseas visitors, as well as Irish people, are rediscovering Ireland as a place to go on holiday. The Gathering has given the tourism industry a shot in the arm and we have seen an increase of more than 15% in visitors from North America.
“The tourism industry is vital to Ireland’s economic recovery and the Government is working closely with tourism agencies to promote Ireland both at home and abroad. This Government has decreased the rate of VAT on hospitality services to encourage people to spend money and, in doing so, boost employment. Business people I have spoken to locally have been very clear that this measure has had a beneficial effect on local business. Other Government measures such as reducing employers’ PRSI and the visa waiver scheme, are helping to restore sustainable growth to the tourism sector.
This week’s figures from the Central Statistics Office are extremely encouraging:
· Visits from mainland Europe grew by 7.9% for January to June 2013, to 1.149 million visits;
· North America registered an increase of 15.4% visits for January – June 2013 (519,600 visits);
· Visits from the rest of the world, mostly long-haul and developing markets, totalled 178,900 for the first six months of 2013, representing an increase of 5.7%;
“The 15.4% increase in visitors from North America is particularly positive, especially given that these visitors tend to spend more than others during their stay.
“Visitors from Britain remain static, however, which is a reflection of challenging economic circumstances there. I’m aware that Tourism Ireland is working hard to promote Ireland in this key market.
“As a destination, Ireland offers spectacular beauty, world-class quality, genuine hospitality and increasingly good value. Perhaps now that we can boast continental summers we will attract even more visitors in the future!”
Mary Mitchell O’Connor
24 July 2013
Last Updated: August 12, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Annual Report welcome but stats unlikely to reflect true scale of the problem – Mitchell O’Connor
An updated SAVI report could give us a better understanding of sexual abuse in Ireland allowing for better policy formation down the line
Speaking following her attendance at the launch of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Annual Report 2012 this morning (Wednesday), Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, said the statistics contained in the report, while shocking, may not accurately reflect the true scale of the sexual abuse being experienced by the men and women of Ireland.
Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said that an updated SAVI Report, which the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s (DRCC) has said it would welcome, could give us a more accurate picture of the type of sexual crime that is being perpetrated across the country, and who the perpetrators are.
“The launch of the DRRC Annual Report this morning makes for stark reading. The fact that there has been an increase of 23% in first time callers to the National 24 Hour Helpline between 2009 and 2012 indicates the importance of the work being undertaken by the Centre, which offers a vital service to victims in need of support.
“The sad fact remains, however, that the number of those who seek help from the DRRC is likely to be just a fraction of those who have actually experienced sexual abuse and disclosed it accordingly. The SAVI (Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland) Report in 2002, which interviewed more than 3,000 randomly selected Irish adults anonymously, was thought to more accurately reflect the real prevalence of the sexual abuse being experienced in Ireland.
“The study, which was first proposed by the DRCC and was supported by Atlantic Philanthropies and additional Government funding, confirmed that a staggering amount of sexual abuse was going undisclosed, with 47% of those reporting abuse in SAVI never having told another person.
“One of the points made at this morning’s briefing was the fact that the disclosure notes that are taken by counsellors at the DRCC during the reporting of a crime could be acting as a dissuasive factor in men and women reporting crimes as often these notes are called on during court proceedings at a later date.
“It is also believed that following on from the Ferns, Ryan, Murphy and Cloyne Reports more people are coming forward to report abuse. It is essential that we lift the lid on sexual abuse in Ireland and put the systems in place to encourage victims to report crimes. The SAVI Report gave us a much greater understanding of the type of abuse being perpetrated in Ireland, who was being abused and who the perpetrators of abuse were. If we want to formulate policy to discourage sexual abuse, to better understand the nature of sexual violence in Ireland and to support the victims of abuse we need to have an accurate picture of what we are dealing with. Another SAVI Report would give us that view and point the best way forward in dealing with sexual crimes.”
Mary Mitchell O’Connor
Wednesday, 24th July 2013
Last Updated: August 7, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Mary Mitchell O’Connor welcomes launch of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County cycle network map
Last Updated: July 19, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
2013 Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) Scheme
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps you meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.
You (the parent or guardian) must be getting certain social welfare payments or taking part in training, employment or adult education schemes and your child/ren must be aged between 4 and 22 on or before 30 September of the year you apply.
The BSCFA entitlements of some 115,000 families in respect of approx. 207,000 children have now been established with reference to their primary scheme entitlement, with no application form required. Letters issued to the people concerned informing them of their entitlement. These customers can collect their BSCFA payment this week (week commencing 16 July) on the same day as their normal weekly payment.
Customers who did not receive an automated payment are now required to complete an application form which will be processed from a centralised unit in the Department’s office in Letterkenny. The Allowance is means tested so customers who are in receipt of benefit payments, on Community Employment or Back to Work schemes will be required to complete an application form.
The BSCFA section is processing claims which were received in July at present. Payment in respect of these claims will issue on a daily basis as they are decided so the majority of customers who have an entitlement to the allowance will receive their payment in July.
Forms are available from Local Offices, via SMS (text “Form BTSCFA” followed by your name and address to 51909) and on www.welfare.ie. A phone bank is operational to deal with queries on the scheme. The LOCALL number is 1890662244.
Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD
19th July 2013
Last Updated: July 19, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Mary Mitchell O’Connor welcomes JobsPlus – New Jobs, Less Cost
1. What is JobsPlus?
JobsPlus is a new employer incentive which encourages and rewards employers who offer employment opportunities to the long term unemployed. This incentive replaces the Employer Job (PRSI) Exemption and Revenue Job Assist schemes from 1st July 2013. Regular cash payments will be made to qualifying employers to offset wage costs where they engage jobseekers from the Live Register.
In order to qualify an employer must offer full time employment of at least 30 hours per week, spanning at least four days per week to eligible recruits (i.e. that employee must be on payroll and subject to PAYE and PRSI).
2. What is the value of the JobsPlus incentive?
The incentive will provide two levels of payments biased in favour of people who are long term unemployed: a payment of €7,500 over two years to an employer for each person recruited who has been unemployed for more than 12 but less than 24 months; and €10,000 over two years to an employer for each person recruited who has been unemployed for more than 24 months.
3. How will the incentive be paid?
Payment will be made monthly in arrears by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) – no other method of payment is available. A qualifying employer must specify the receiving bank account at the time of application. A monthly remittance slip will issue to employers outlining the employees to which the JobsPlus incentive refers.
4. When does the JobsPlus incentive start?
Eligible employers who recruit full time employees on or after 1st July 2013 may apply for JobsPlus, which will initially operate on a pilot basis for a period of six months.
5. I am an employer – how do I apply to fill a vacancy with JobsPlus support?
Once an employer decides to recruit an additional employee they can log on to www.jobsplus.ieand complete an online application form which gathers basic information such as name of company, size of workforce, bank details, economic sector of company and includes providing permission for an officer of the Department of Social Protection to check their tax clearance certificate online. Once this is submitted an officer of the Department will review, check the tax clearance certificate is in order and if approved will respond promptly to the employer via e-mail.
6. What is the next step once I’ve registered?
Once an employer receives eligibility confirmation from the Department they may proceed with their recruitment. At this stage an employer could contact his local Intreo Centre or employment services office for details of suitably experienced and qualified candidates for their vacancy. An employer may also wish to consider advertising their vacancy on www.jobsireland.ie.
7. When and how do I ascertain whether my job candidates are eligible employees under the JobsPlus incentive?
When an employer has conducted preliminary interviews and shortlisted candidates they should then advise these candidates to log on to www.jobsplus.ieto determine their eligibility for the incentive as an employee. The Department of Social Protection will process this request from the candidate and revert to candidates with eligibility status by mailing a two part JP1 form to the candidate – Part A of the JP1 form will confirm eligibility and rate of payment for a prospective employer, Part B to be completed by employer should they chose to employ the candidate. The candidate should bring the two part JP1 form confirming eligibility to the employer for consideration.
8. I have chosen my preferred candidate(s) for the job, what do I do next?
Once you offer the position to the successful candidate, they should close their Jobseeker’s claim online at www.welfare.ieor by going to their local Intreo Centre/Social Welfare Local Office. Payment of JobsPlus to the employer can only commence once the Department confirms the Jobseeker’s claim of the employee has closed.
9. Is there a limit on the number of people that an employer can employ under the JobsPlus scheme?
JobsPlus is being launched initially on a pilot basis. There are no limits to the number of eligible employees any one employer may hire under the incentive. The associated budget for the scheme is set at a level that would support in the region of 2,500 jobs in this pilot phase.
10. I get very busy for the summer months and would like to hire somebody to work full-time for the summer months. Am I eligible to apply for the JobsPlus incentive?
No. Part-time employment and jobs which are short-term and/or seasonal will not be eligible under the JobsPlus incentive.
Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD
19th July 2013
Last Updated: July 19, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Mary Mitchell O’Connor welcomes reopening of Deansgrange Library
Delighted to see that Deansgrange Library reopened on 15th July 2013 following extensive renovation. The bright, spacious interior is even more welcoming and should prove to encourage more people to make use of the new facilities. These include enhanced internet and self-service facilities, new public toilets, new comfortable seating areas and an abundance of new reading stock.
July 15th 2013
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