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Employment Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 April 2014

Wednesday, 16 April 2014

Questions (103)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which community employment schemes, upskilling or training places are available to those currently on the live register or otherwise available and in need of such schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18251/14]

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Written answers

Community Employment (CE) is an option for those in long-term receipt of jobseeker's payments (for 12 months or more). There are 25,300 places available on the programme for 2014 and a budget of €358m has been earmarked for it this year.

An integral part of a participant’s CE experience is the provision of accredited training under the CE Individual Learner Plan (ILP). All CE participants have an ILP drawn up for them on commencement of the programme in conjunction with their CE Supervisor, tailored to their specific requirements and career goals. This training is available until they exit the scheme. The training budget for CE currently stands at €5.9m for 2014. There are currently 711 CE places advertised nationally on the Department’s JobsIreland.ie website as of 14th April 2014.

SOLAS (formerly FÁS) also runs training courses at no cost to unemployed persons. Springboard offers a choice of 220 part-time courses in higher education up to post-graduate level for unemployed persons. Momentum is a Government initiative under the Pathways to Work programme which provides education and training courses for up to 6,500 long-term unemployed jobseekers. In all instances, persons wishing to participate in any of these schemes/programmes should contact their local Intreo office to initiate the process and have their eligibility to participate confirmed.

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