Following the publication of my Department’s Report, An Analysis of the Community Employment Programme, in April 2017 the Government approved a number of changes to the terms and conditions around participation on Community Employment (CE). The main purpose of these changes, which were implemented in July 2017 was to broaden the availability of CE to a greater number of people on the live register and to standardise other conditions around the length of time a person can participate on the programme.
One of the general eligibility requirements to participate on CE is that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment from my Department for a minimum period of 12 months. People who do not qualify for a social welfare payment do not meet the current eligibility requirements for participation on CE. However, such people may be eligible for other programmes or support to help them return to work, for example VTOS courses provided by ETB’s, Skillnet courses funded through the Department of Education and Skills or Momentum courses provided by SOLAS. Those who do not meet the CE eligibility criteria are advised to contact their local DEASP Intreo Office where a case officer will be happy to discuss alternative employment and training options that are available to them.
The eligibility criterion for participation on CE is kept under on-going review to ensure effectiveness in targeting the long-term unemployed jobseekers and other specific disadvantaged groups.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
