(1) Section 359A (inserted by section 29 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010) of the Principal Act is amended by inserting the following subsection after subsection (1):

"(1A) For the purposes of subsection (1), a reference to employment includes a reference to self-employment.".

(2) The Principal Act is amended by inserting the following section after section 359A:

"359B. Discrimination on grounds of age in relation to employment schemes and other schemes and programmes

(1) The Minister, in respect of a class of persons prescribed by the Minister under subsection (2), may discriminate on the grounds of age in -

(a) providing, or arranging for and co-ordinating the provision of, a scheme, programme or assistance under section 359A(1)(a),

(b) assisting, whether financially or otherwise, in the provision of a scheme, programme or assistance referred to in section 359A(1)(a), or

(c) providing for any scheme or programme under section 359A(2).