Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
85. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants on special community employment allowance and their locations; and if the full allocation of CE allowance positions has been filled and the reason there are empty positions. [33269/13]
View answerAt June 2013 there were 895 participants on drug rehabilitation places on Community Employment. Seventy-four per cent (664) of these places were in the Dublin Region and a further 14 per cent (125) were located in Cork Central. Table 1 details drug rehabilitation places by region. There is no special allowance for participants on drug rehabilitation places however there are special conditions to support the delivery of drug rehabilitation places on Community Employment. These conditions cover participant eligibility, referral, programme delivery and expected outcomes.
Table 1: Drug Rehabilitation Places by Region
|
Region |
Number |
|
Cork Central |
125 |
|
Dublin Central |
338 |
|
Dublin North |
130 |
|
Dublin South |
196 |
|
Mid Leinster |
28 |
|
Midlands North |
1 |
|
Mid West |
7 |
|
North East |
15 |
|
North West |
1 |
|
South East |
33 |
|
South West |
5 |
|
West |
16 |
|
Grand Total |
895 |
There are 1,000 drug rehabilitation places on CE, at June 2013 there were 895 places filled (excluding Supervisors).
Intreo Offices are ensuring that eligible persons for CE are made aware of the opportunities on CE and it is anticipated that this will help raise the demand for CE. The Department continues its commitment to getting people back to work as set out in the Programme for Government and the Pathways to Work documents.
The overall number of places available under CE has been increased by 2,000 to 25,300 (including supervisors) in 2013 with a budget of circa €352m. The composition of participant numbers has changed in recent years with a decline in One Parent Family Clients and clients in receipt of a disability payment and an increase in take-up by persons on Jobseekers Allowance. The change in participant composition has proved challenging for some sponsors and the department is working with these sponsors to assist them in filling the places already assigned to them. This additional allocation of places includes a priority being given to applicants who are referred to CE drugs rehabilitation places, childcare and social care. The take-up of CE places will be closely monitored. The Department is committed to reforming CE to ensure value for money, progression of the job seeker and support for community services.
