Skip to main content
Normal View

Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2013

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Questions (121)

Denis Naughten

Question:

121. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if self employed persons who are receiving jobseeker's allowance are eligible to apply for community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15758/13]

View answer

Written answers

The aim of CE remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education and training. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. The main cohort of CE participants is made up of the long-term unemployed in receipt of jobseekers allowance.

While it is possible for a self-employed person to meet the basic criteria of receipt of a CE-qualifying payment (specifically jobseekers allowance) for the requisite period of time (12 months), they may not meet the criteria of being unemployed during that qualifying period. The maximum amount of worked days permissible for jobseeker clients is 30 days within the 12-month qualifying period. If a self-employed person is in receipt of jobseekers allowance and meet the criteria outlined above they can be considered for CE. Those who do not meet the CE eligibility criteria are advised to contact their local DSP Employment Services Office where an Employment Services Officer will be happy to discuss the employment and training options that are open to them.

Top
Share