Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
504. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection to address an urgent matter concerning Tipperary Community Services Centre in Tipperary town (details supplied); if assistance will be provided to find a solution to this pressing issue, given the urgency of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35299/23]
View answerThe aim of the Community Employment programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and long-term unemployed people by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their local communities on a temporary fixed term basis. The programme aims to improve a person’s opportunities to return to employment.
Community Employment placements are intended to be temporary and subject to time limits. This is to ensure the continued availability of places on Community Employment schemes for a broad range of long-term unemployed candidates. Those who are unemployed and in receipt of an eligible payment for 12 months or more may be eligible to participate on Community Employment.
We are all very conscious of the important role that Community Employment plays and we continue to support schemes as best we can. Community Employment schemes provide important and, in many cases essential, services to their local communities, as is clearly the case for the organisation referenced.
The organisation concerned is a sub sponsor on a Community Employment scheme, my officials locally will engage with the sponsor concerned to see if further assistance can be provided to address the issues raised. The Department is aware of issues relating to recruitment generally, given the current strong labour market performance, but continues to work to address these issues.
Eligibility criteria for Community Employment, continues to be kept under active review by my department officials to ensure the best outcomes for individual participants, to support the vital community services delivered by schemes and in light of changes to the labour market.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
