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Community Employment Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 November 2020

Wednesday, 25 November 2020

Questions (146)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

146. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a community employment scheme placement will be continued for a person (details provided) in County Kerry who is providing an essential service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39140/20]

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Written answers

Employment Programmes such as Community Employment (CE) are labour market programmes that enable long-term unemployed to progress into employment and/or further education and training. Participation limits on these schemes are necessary to allow for the maximum utilisation of places amongst qualifying persons. It is important to note that participation is intended to be for a temporary fixed term and the positions offered are not full-time sustainable jobs. Instead, the placements are designed to break the cycle of unemployment and maintain work readiness, thereby improving a person’s opportunities of returning to the open labour market.

Following 12 months in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment CE placements for those aged between 21 and 55 years will be for one year. However, if a CE participant is working towards a QQI Major Award or working towards a recognised industry standard, their time on CE can be extended by up to a maximum of 3 years to complete the full award/qualification standard i.e. a total participation of 3 consecutive years in which to complete any outstanding modules.

The person concerned will have completed three years on CE on 11th December and their employment should cease on that date. However having reviewed the position my Department will continue to fund this participant placement up to 15 January 2021 to ensure no disruption of payment over the Christmas period.

The Department's Activation service will work with the person concerned to ensure that the skills and experience they received during their time on CE are maximised. This process will help identify potential employment opportunities and offer support to them in overcoming any barriers to employment. The Department strongly supports the work being done through Community Employment schemes and the vital roles they are playing in local communities. Community Employment vacancies are advertised on www.JobsIreland.ie and are promoted and supported locally by the Department's Activation service.

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