Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
1009. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the embargo on community employment schemes is to be lifted; the time frame for this; and her plans to ensure that placements on Tús or community employment schemes are extended if and when they resume again due to the fact three months' experience were lost to participants when the schemes were suspended. [11195/20]
View answerIt is important to note that the Department did not introduce an embargo on any of the employment support schemes during the Covid-19 emergency. In light of the national health and safety guidelines and social distancing measures introduced, and in conjunction with sponsoring authorities and implementing bodies, recruitment was suspended for the period of the emergency and existing participants had their employment contracts extended until further notice.
Now that the country has begun the process of returning to normal operations and in keeping with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, the recruitment of new Community Employment (CE) and Tús participants has recommenced. New participants will commence on the employment schemes beginning in July.
During the Covid-19 emergency, my Department has continued to provide the necessary funding for CE and Tús schemes while also introducing a number of contingency measures, including the extension of existing CE and Tús participant contracts for the duration of the emergency. Those participants who had their contracts extended during the emergency period will finish-up on their schemes on a phased basis over the coming period.
Department officials will continue to work with those participants who are finishing up on CE and Tús.
