Community Employment Schemes Places

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Questions (353)

Derek Nolan

Question:

353. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm, since funds have been reinstated in the community employment schemes, if the schemes will revert to the old system of issuing contracts for three and five years and extending the contracts of those who are already on community employment schemes, taking into consideration that this will be cost neutral as those who come off the scheme will have to be paid by social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55481/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

There has been no change to the contractual arrangement for Community Employment participants have always been issued for a maximum period of 12 months. Persons who may be eligible for 3 years participation will receive three consecutive annual contracts to cover the relevant period provided they remain eligible to remain on the programme at the end of each contract and their CE Sponsor (employer) wishes to retain them for a further 12-month participation period.