HUMPHREYS LAUNCHES LOCAL BUSINESS IN MOUNT MERRION – WELCOMES GOVT JOBS INITIATIVE

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for Stillorgan

Saturday, 2 July 2011

HUMPHREYS LAUNCHES LOCAL BUSINESS IN MOUNT MERRION – WELCOMES GOVT JOBS INITIATIVE

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has welcomed the Government’s measures to address the jobs crisis.  He was addressing local residents and guests when launching a new local business based in Mount Merrion, DesCan Home and Garden Maintenance.

“I am delighted to have been asked by Desmond Costeloe, Master Gardener, to launch his new business, DesCan Home and Garden Restoration and Maintenance, based in Mount Merrion and serving the wider area” Humphreys said.

“This new business DesCan is promoting green solutions such as collecting rain water, and growing your own fruit and vegetables.  This helps the environment while saving money. It also offers a broad range of home and garden maintenance services.”

“The Government are supporting new businesses through a number of initiatives.  The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to become self-employed. People taking part in the scheme can keep a percentage of their social welfare payment for up to 2 years.” Humphreys said.

“In addition, in recent weeks Joan Burton T.D., Minister for Social Protection, launched the National Internship scheme “JobBridge”.”

“JobBridge is aiming to provide 5,000 internship places to the unemployed over the next two years and participants will receive €50 per week in addition to their usual social welfare payments.”

“It is part of the Governments wider 'Jobs Initiative' which will offer 20,900 education, training and work experience places for the unemployed as well as the 'Springboard' initiative which will provide 6,000 places on a range of 200 part-time courses.” Humphreys said.

“The scheme offers the unemployed an opportunity to upskill and retrain and in some cases it may lead to full employment. Public, private and voluntary organisations are welcome to participate and I would strongly encourage them to do so.”

“This along with a range of initiatives brought forward by Labour in Government will help us on our road to recovery” Humphreys said.

Ends

Photo caption: Cllr Humphreys launching DesCan Home and Garden Restoration and Maintenance with proprietor Desmond Costeloe.  Cllr Humphreys and Mr Costeloe are enjoying home-made jam made by Mr Costeloe from garden fruits, and viewing a Green Rainwater collector to recycle rain water.