David Stanton
Question:30. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the number of places on community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40148/20]
View answerThursday, 3 December 2020
Questions (30)
Written answers
Community Employment (CE) is a positive initiative that enables the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for employment opportunities that will become available. The CE scheme can play an important role in breaking the cycle of long-term unemployment for some people and improve their chances of employment. As the Deputy may be aware as part of the July Jobs Stimulus, the Government announced 3,000 additional places on State Employment Schemes, including CE and Tús. These additional places which will come on stream over the coming months will provide valuable opportunities for long term unemployed persons and in supporting CE schemes in providing services to local communities. While referrals to CE schemes can continue through the current Level 5 restrictions, the number of CE referrals from Intreo Offices may be impacted by the need to deploy Intreo staff to other frontline duties. During this period, CE sponsoring authorities are also being encouraged to continue to promote awareness of the benefits. Once the Level 5 restrictions begin to be lifted there will be a renewed focus on identifying candidates to fill any existing CE vacancies along with the additional places provided for under the July Jobs Stimulus. I am fully committed to the future of this programme and will continue to support and improve the programme for the benefit of the CE participants and the valuable contribution being made to local communities.