§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will state the number of action for community employment schemes workers who receive (a) more than 90 per cent. and (b) less than 90 per cent. of their wages funded from the Department of Economic Development; what is the total cost; if he will list each of the projects and organisations to which they are attached and the estimated cost to public funds in each case; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many action for community employment schemes workers are currently receiving 90 per cent. funding of their wages from the Department of Economic Development; what is the total cost; and if he will list each of the projects and organisations to which they are attached and the estimated cost to public funds in each case.
§ Dr. BoysonThe wages grant for ACE employees is 90 per cent. of the sum of the wage and the employer's national insurance contribution up to a maximum of £98 per employee per week. No ACE employee receives more than this maximum grant. Sponsors of higher paid workers have to fund the amount in excess of £98 per week from their own resources.
The total estimated cost of the programme in the current year is £18.5 million representing an average of 3,900 jobs.
To list the number of workers and each project would incur disproportionate cost.