Vol. 401 No. 4
131 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Labour if his Department will allow participants in social employment schemes to continue in that role beyond the normal 12 months in cases where the completion period for the project in which they have been involved is envisaged to extend to well in excess of one year.
The objective of the social employment scheme is to give the long-term unemployed employment on a part-time basis for 12 months. An extension of this period would reduce the number of opportunities for other long-term unemployed persons awaiting a place. In the circumstances, I do not intend to extend the duration of participation. However, I would point out that the scheme provides that where the duration of projects extends beyond 12 months sponsors are permitted to recruit replacement participants.
