Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2016
217. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the skills training and the selection of participants under the Defence Forces' linked programme with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18732/16]
View answerIn line with the Government’s commitment to a strengthened approach across the economy to social responsibility, the Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to introduce a pilot employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces. This commitment was also reflected in the White Paper on Defence, published in August 2015, which sets out the policy framework for the Defence Organisation for the next ten years and beyond.
The scheme and the programme content have been developed through detailed consultation involving the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, the Department of Social Protection and the Dublin and Dun-Laoghaire Education and Training Board. A work group which includes representatives from each of the aforementioned organisations has developed the detail of the initiative with key stakeholders.
The objective of this Scheme is to help develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. The Scheme is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose.
The Department of Social Protection identified suitable participants for participation in the pilot scheme. The basic selection criteria applied were that the person must:
- be aged between 18 and 24,
- be unemployed,
- want to take part in the programme, and
- be healthy and physically able to take part in outdoor activities.
Potential candidates were then interviewed by a member of the Defence Forces and an official from Department of Social Protection. Candidates who were successful at interview were then required to pass security vetting and be medically certified as fit to undergo the programme of training by their own civilian GP, prior to the commencement date of the pilot scheme.
The pilot scheme commenced on Monday 20th June 2016 for 28 participants in Gormanston Camp for 10 weeks. On successful completion of the programme, participants will receive some certificates which should improve their prospects of securing employment. These will include:
- A joint certificate from the Defence Forces and the Department of Social Protection that the participant has successfully completed the course;
- A reference from the Defence Forces Officer leading the course outlining the participant’s performance on the course;
- A Basic Medical Training certificate;
- A Manual Handling Training certificate;
- A Certificate on Food Safety Management;
- A City and Guilds Credit for Word Processing, Using the Internet and for Using E-mail;
- A SOLAS Safe Pass. Safe Pass is a one-day safety awareness programme which is required of all construction site workers.
The following revision was received from the Department on 14 July 2016
The written reply stated that there were 28 participants taking part in the pilot scheme. The Department would like to clarify that in fact the number of participants is 25.
