Co-operative seeks government approval for employment grant plan

SMALL rural firms may gain access to an employment grant that would support 200 jobs, if the Government approves a proposal by farm services co-operative group FRS Network.

Minister for Small Business John Perry welcomed FRS Network’s three-year proposal, the social benefits of which included taking people off the live register, along with gains in PRSI, PAYE and VAT.

FRS Network chief executive Peter Byrne said: “The proposal to the state is a very logical one in the present climate and will encourage more people off the dole and into the workforce.