Vol. 547 No. 3
129 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the regulations in relation to entitlement of persons on carer's allowance to simultaneously take part in a community employment scheme (details supplied); and if the person will qualify for both schemes. [3609/02]
Persons previously in receipt of the carers allowance have direct access to community employment. Provision was made under the Social Welfare Act, 1999 to allow carers undertake employment for up to ten hours per week while retaining this allowance. The legislation does not allow for discretion in this matter but strictly provides for work of ten hours or less a week only. As CE participants work an average of 19.5 hours per week, such employment is outside the scope of this provision and carer's allowance is not payable.
130 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the regulations in relation to payments to persons on community employment schemes; if persons receive full or part FÁS payments in addition to a lone parent's allowance; if this double payment extends to other social welfare benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3610/02]
Earnings from community employment are taken into account in determining the rate of means tested social welfare payments, including the one parent family payment. In general, earnings from CE would not have a bearing on contributory social welfare payments.
As given the earnings disregards associated with OPFP, recipients can earn up to €146.50 and still qualify for a full rate of OPFP. Those who earn between €146.50 and €293.00 may still qualify for a reduced payment. Earnings from CE are treated in the same way as earnings from any other type of employment for the purpose of the OPFP means test.
The implications of CE payments for social welfare payments generally are matters for the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs.
