Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
411. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the additional community employment scheme placements which have been announced by her; when same will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57791/12]
View answerAn additional 2,000 places were allocated to Community Employment in the Budget of 2013. The increase in the number of places will be funded from the budget of the Department. These places will be approved on a phased basis from the end of January to December, 2013. The additional places are critical to the continued improvement of CE as outlined in the CE Financial Review of Schemes undertaken by this Department in 2012.
The allocation of places will be informed by the population of long-term unemployed persons in each area, the number of claimants on Jobseekers Allowance, One Parent Family Payment and People with a Disability in receipt of welfare payments for 52 weeks or more. Priority will be given to (a) schemes involved in community childcare services, social and healthcare services and drug rehabilitation services that offer training and development opportunities and work experience to CE participants and (b) those schemes with a clear track record in the development and progression of participants towards employment.
