Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Questions (396)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

396. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will initiate a review of the eligibility criteria for participation in community employment schemes; and if she will ensure that as part of that review the demographic context in which the scheme operates will be taken into account, as many community groups feel that the CE scheme does not currently meet the needs of rural communities as the population structure is not conducive to meeting the eligibility rules on an on-going basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29487/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

I can confirm that the Community Employment (CE) participant eligibility criteria and other aspects of the programme are kept under on-going review.

CE is only one of a suite of employment programmes that can be undertaken by local sponsoring groups or implementing bodies. Other programmes available include the Rural Social Scheme, Tús, Gateway, the Community Services Programme and JobBridge. The range of employment programmes thus takes a range of variables into account, including the demographics of persons currently unemployed in a variety of circumstances.

CE is a temporary, fixed-term employment and training programme designed to assist long-term unemployed people, and other disadvantaged groups, to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine. It is a medium to short-term activation intervention and was never intended to replace or displace permanent employment in a locality.

Question No. 397 withdrawn.