Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
45. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of places approved nationwide for community employment schemes; the number of participants on such schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25012/20]
View answerCommunity Employment (CE) is a positive initiative that enables the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for employment opportunities that will become available. The CE scheme can play an important role in breaking the cycle of long-term unemployment for some people and improve their chances of employment.
The 2020 CE Budget is €364 million which provides for approximately 22,750 CE placements. At the end of August 2020 there were 19,705 CE participants on CE.
Where vacancies exist on CE schemes, eligible candidates are identified by Case Officers in my Department and referred to CE schemes, where it is considered to be a suitable activation measure.
Following the Covid-19 emergency, the Department recommenced its activation services in July and has gradually increased case management activity on all of its employment support schemes. In relation to CE, this will ensure that long-term jobseekers continue to have the necessary access to the opportunities available.
The Government also announced an additional 3,000 extra places for employment support schemes, including CE and Tús, as part of the July Stimulus package. My Department staff will continue to work closely with CE sponsoring authorities to ensure that CE candidates are referred for recruitment.
CE sponsoring authorities are also encouraged by to promote awareness of the benefits of CE in their local communities, ensuring that CE vacancies are well publicised. They can advertise CE vacancies free of charge on the Department's JobsIreland website.
Community Employment (CE) is a positive initiative that enables the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for employment opportunities that will become available. The CE scheme can play an important role in breaking the cycle of long-term unemployment for some people and improve their chances of employment.
The 2020 CE Budget is €364 million which provides for approximately 22,750 CE placements. At the end of August 2020 there were 19,705 CE participants on CE.
Where vacancies exist on CE schemes, eligible candidates are identified by Case Officers in my Department and referred to CE schemes, where it is considered to be a suitable activation measure.
Following the Covid-19 emergency, the Department recommenced its activation services in July and has gradually increased case management activity on all of its employment support schemes. In relation to CE, this will ensure that long-term jobseekers continue to have the necessary access to the opportunities available.
The Government also announced an additional 3,000 extra places for employment support schemes, including CE and Tús, as part of the July Stimulus package. My Department staff will continue to work closely with CE sponsoring authorities to ensure that CE candidates are referred for recruitment.
CE sponsoring authorities are also encouraged by to promote awareness of the benefits of CE in their local communities, ensuring that CE vacancies are well publicised. They can advertise CE vacancies free of charge on the Department's JobsIreland website.
