Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017
517. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of community employment scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors employed by sponsor companies operating community employment schemes on behalf of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40579/17]
View answer518. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons employed on community employment schemes as of 20 September 2017; the cost to her Department for each of these persons; the estimated cost of welfare payments to these persons if they were still in receipt of their qualifying social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40580/17]
View answerI 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 |
1126 |
|
CE Assistant Supervisors |
254 |
|
Total |
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.
