€68m state lifeline to maintain 7,500 jobs

ALMOST 7,500 jobs are receiving direct government support to maintain them, at a cost of almost €68 million.

Tánaiste and Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan yesterday announced that 7,478 jobs are to receive direct support under the first round of the Employment Subsidy Scheme.

The scheme was introduced to support the maintenance of vulnerable jobs and prevent people from being made redundant.