Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017

Monday, 11 September 2017

Questions (1829, 1830)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

1829. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the eligibility criteria for persons wishing to participate in community employment schemes; if persons are only deemed eligible for the scheme in circumstances in which they are in receipt of payments from her Department for a specific period such as jobseekers' allowance or jobseekers' benefit, or if all persons signing on are eligible for inclusion as part of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37626/17]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

1830. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the eligibility criteria for persons wishing to participate in community work placement schemes; if participants are only deemed eligible for said schemes in circumstances in which they are in receipt of payments from her Department for a specific period such as jobseekers' allowance or jobseekers' benefit, or if all persons signing on eligible for inclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37627/17]

Written answers

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1829 and 1830 together.

The aim of employment schemes like Community Employment (CE) and Tús is to enhance the employability and skills of unemployed persons by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their communities. These schemes help unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine.

One of the requirements to be eligible to participate on these employment schemes is that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment from my Department for a minimum period of 12 months.

Persons who do not qualify for a social welfare payment but are signing for credited PRSI contributions, do not meet the current eligibility requirements for participation on either CE or the Tús scheme. Persons signing for credits may, however, be eligible for other programmes or support to help them return to work. Such persons are advised to contact their local Intreo Office where a case officer will be available to discuss the employment and training options that are open to them.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.