Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 5

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

78 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is the case that, when participating in community employment schemes, persons who were in receipt of unemployment assistance, and not those who were in receipt of unemployment benefit, retain entitlement to a payment of £13.20 each in respect of children over 18 and in full-time education; if so, her views on whether this practice is equitable; the steps, if any, she will take to eliminate this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20951/99]

Ivan Yates

Question:

84 Mr. Yates asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the anomalous situation between participants receiving unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance who enrol in a community employment scheme, in relation to child dependant's allowance payments for children over 18 years of age who are in third level education; and the proposals, if any, she has to rectify this situation such as for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is currently on a community employment scheme. [20989/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 84 together.

Community employment is an active labour market programme targeted at the long-term unemployed. The eligibility criteria for participation in the programme include being unemployed for a minimum period of one year.

The rates of pay for community employment are closely linked to rates payable by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and are set at a slightly higher level than those payable by that Department. This is in order to attract participants into the programme and thereby facilitate their return to the jobs market.

It is not currently proposed to increase the rate of pay of community employment participants, other than in line with increases paid by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.