Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2009
184 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to change the criteria of the work placement programme to include micro-enterprises and those who have had to make staff redundant in the past six months; and the reason the work placement programme has not been mainstreamed already in view of the fact that there is no net cost to the Exchequer. [36850/09]
View answerThe aim of the Work Placement Programme is to provide valuable work experience for 6 months to 2,000 unemployed individuals, including graduates. Participants on the programme will retain their existing social welfare entitlements for the duration of their placement. The eligibility criteria for both participants and providers participating in the programme are to be reviewed in the near future. This review will be conducted by officials from my Department, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Education and Science and FÁS. Based on the finding of the review I will consider whether to expand the Work Placement Programme.
