Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 8

Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.

Seán Barrett

Question:

229 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Labour the plans, if any, he has to amend the regulations governing the social employment scheme to allow for continuation of employment under the scheme beyond 52 weeks in view of cases such as that of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who completed a FÁS Social Employment Scheme wherein he was usefully employed teaching basic specialist skills to young children and who, because of the regulations attaching to the scheme, then had to go back onto the unemployment register, even though he was willing and anxious to continue in employment for only a few pounds more than he would be drawing from the State while unemployed and in spite of the fact that the children concerned will now be deprived of his expertise; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I do not propose to change the regulations which limit a person's participation on the Social Employment Scheme to 52 weeks. In the context of the overall funding which is available any increase in its duration would result in a reduction in fewer long term unemployed getting a chance to participate in the scheme.

I have agreed, however, that in exceptional circumstances, such as in areas where there are not sufficient numbers of long term unemployed to enable a project to be undertaken or continued under the scheme, provision exists for extending the period of a person's participation beyond 12 months.

Top
Share