asked the Minister for Labour why payments under the employment incentive scheme have not been made to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.

The person in question took over a business in July 1980. He did not apply for premiums under the employment incentive scheme until July 1981 and even then he had some difficulty in preparing an application because of incomplete records. An officer of my Department is in contact with him with a view to assisting him in preparing a claim.

Is the Minister aware that the person in question doubled the number of people employed in the concern between July 1980 and July 1981 and, therefore, should qualify for the grants in question?

The individual involved is receiving every assistance from my Department.

Is the Minister hopeful that he will be able to pay the grants referred to?

If the application is in order the grants will be paid.