I propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 518 together.
Community Employment (CE) schemes provide part-time temporary work in local communities, including opportunities for training and development as a stepping-stone back to employment, for people in receipt of a qualifying of social welfare payments. These schemes help to break the cycle of unemployment and improve a person’s chances of returning to the labour market. My Department is also conscious of the valuable contribution the schemes are making in the provision of services to individuals and communities across Ireland.
The table outlines the position in relation to the number of Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors employed on CE schemes at end June 2017 (figures at the end of June are the latest available):
@ end June 17
|
|
CE Supervisors
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1126
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CE Assistant Supervisors
|
254
|
Total
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1380
|
The total number of CE participants at end June 2017 was 22,053. The average weekly cost for each CE participant is €303.98 and the estimated average weekly payment value for Jobseekers Allowance is €198.94.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.