Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
368. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons that have applied for the voluntary work option scheme in 2010, 2011 and 2012; the numbers that have been successful in 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25262/13]
View answerThe Department has a number of initiatives to support unemployed persons to help them find employment. The employment initiatives include the National Internship Scheme - JobBridge, Community Employment Schemes and Tús. Extra funding to support 13,000 additional places on these programmes has been provided for 2013. These initiatives together with the voluntary work option contribute to the local community, to a wide range of voluntary organisations and to society in general.
In relation to the voluntary work option scheme, a jobseeker who engages in voluntary work within the State may continue to be entitled to a jobseeker's payment provided that, in engaging in the voluntary work, they continue to satisfy the statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work. Examples of voluntary work in which jobseekers may engage include helping the sick, elderly or persons with a disability; assisting youth clubs, church groups, sports groups, cultural organisations or local resident associations. Voluntary groups may be locally or nationally organised and may include community groups.
The aim of the voluntary work option is twofold, namely to encourage voluntary organisations to involve jobseekers to the greatest extent possible in their existing activities by creating new opportunities for voluntary work; and to inform jobseekers of their freedom to involve themselves in voluntary work and to encourage them to do so. The number of persons who availed of the voluntary work option in 2011 was 169 and 234 in 2012. Statistics for 2010 were not maintained and are not available. It should also be noted that unemployed people may undertake voluntary work while seeking employment without informing the Department.
The Department also engages with an interdepartmental group which is examining ways in which unemployed people can be facilitated and encouraged to participate in voluntary work to learn new skills and stay close to the Labour Market.
