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Community Employment Schemes Places

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014

Tuesday, 4 March 2014

Questions (203)

Michael McGrath

Question:

203. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult for community employment schemes to recruit persons to participate in the scheme because of the manner in which the Tús scheme vacancies are being filled using social welfare records; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10941/14]

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Written answers

The Tús programme selects candidates from the long-term unemployed who are signing on a full-time basis on the Live Register for jobseeker's allowance and are in receipt of a payment. Candidates are selected using a randomised system and are referred to Local Development Companies who co-ordinate the allocation of places with the community and voluntary sector. Community and voluntary groups must agree to take on Tús participants and must also demonstrate that there is adequate and suitable work available. Participation on Tús is for the duration of one year.

Community Employment differs from Tús it that the CE Sponsoring Organisation selects applicants that are referred through the local INTREO Office and the duration on CE can vary from 1 year to 3 years on average, depending on the eligibility status of the applicant at entry level. During the period on CE, participants have the opportunity to access training and qualifications to prepare them to access employment on leaving the programme. Other cohorts are also eligible for CE outside of those on the Live Register e.g. One Parent Families, persons with a disability. These groups are not eligible for Tús.

There were 22,575 persons participating on CE last year, excluding CE supervisors. There were circa 180,000 people on the Live Register in excess of 1 year (long-term unemployed) at the end of 2013 which indicates that there is an ample client-base for both programmes.

In addition it should be noted that the Department facilitates persons who have completed their time on Tús and have a need for further development and training to take up a place on a CE

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